16 Best Luggage Brands

Let’s be real: Nothing ruins a vacation vibe faster than your suitcase exploding on the baggage carousel. I’ve seen it happen. It’s a horror show of underwear and shame. And that’s why finding the absolute best luggage is a non-negotiable part of my travel prep.

You can have the cutest outfits and the most detailed itinerary, but if your bag’s wheel gets stuck or the zipper gives up mid-trip, it’s game over. I’ve rolled, dragged, and aggressively packed dozens of suitcases to find the ones that are actually worth your money. No flimsy shells or wobbly handles allowed.

So, after tons of testing (and a few overpacking emergencies), this is my official 2026 list of the best luggage brands. Trust me, your future travel self will thank you for this.

 

 

The Best Checked Luggage We Tested

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ is a beast, clocking in at $450. If you travel a lot or are packing for an entire family, this is your new best friend. It’s what flight crews often use, so you know it’s built to last through some serious abuse.

The construction feels incredibly sturdy, and the MagnaTrac wheels are pure magic—they just glide wherever you want them to go without any weird drifting. Inside, it’s an organizer’s dream with a removable garment compartment that kept my dress surprisingly wrinkle-free. It has a massive 128.8 L of space, which is basically an entire closet.

The Downside: It’s heavy. At 11.7 lbs empty, you have to be careful not to overpack and get hit with overweight fees. It’s also on the larger side, so double-check your airline’s size limits.

 

 

Away The Large

For $375, Away’s The Large gives you that minimalist, influencer-approved look without sacrificing durability. This is the suitcase you’ve seen all over Instagram, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to look chic while navigating the airport.

The polycarbonate shell is tough and handled being tossed around by baggage handlers like a champ. My favorite feature is the internal compression system. You can stuff this thing to its absolute limit, then cinch it all down to make it close. It’s a lifesaver for chronic overpackers.

The Downside: Hardshell life means no external pockets. You won’t be able to quickly stash your passport or a book on the outside, which can be a little annoying.

 

 

Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a total steal at around $300. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a reliable hardside bag without dropping a ton of cash. It’s spacious and surprisingly lightweight for its size.

This thing is designed to maximize your packing real estate while staying under that dreaded 50 lb airline limit. The polypropylene shell is pretty resilient, though it’s a bit softer than the polycarbonate on more expensive models. It expands to give you 112.5 L of space, which is more than enough for a long vacation.

The Downside: The shell is a bit more flexible and can get deeper scratches compared to pricier materials. It’s great, but maybe not for a round-the-world trip.

 

 

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner

Okay, let’s talk luxury. The Briggs & Riley Baseline will set you back a cool $929, but it comes with a lifetime warranty that covers literally everything. If an airline destroys it, they will fix or replace it for free. Forever.

The external compression system is genius—you pack the bag, then press down to squish out all the extra air. I fit two weeks’ worth of clothes in here easily. The ballistic nylon exterior is basically indestructible, and the YKK zippers heal themselves. It’s an investment piece that you’ll never have to replace.

The Downside: The price. It’s a huge splurge, no doubt about it.

 

 

Rimowa Essential Check-In L

If you want to feel like a celebrity walking through the airport, you need a Rimowa. The Essential Check-In L costs a jaw-dropping $1925, but it’s the ultimate status symbol in travel. The iconic grooved aluminum design is instantly recognizable.

But it’s not just for looks. This suitcase is built with insane precision in Germany and is incredibly durable. The multi-stage telescoping handle feels so solid, and the wheels are buttery smooth. It’s the Porsche of luggage.

The Downside: The price is obviously astronomical. It’s more of a luxury fashion item than a practical suitcase for most people.

 

 

Tumi 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable

At $1050, the Tumi 19 Degree is for the serious business traveler who wants to look polished and professional. Tumi is known for its incredible quality and thoughtful features designed for people who are always on the go.

The Tegra-Lite material is super tough, and the interior is packed with compartments to keep you organized. I especially love the comfortable handles, which make a big difference when you’re rushing to your gate. It’s a sophisticated piece that performs just as good as it looks.

The Downside: You’re definitely paying a premium for the Tumi name and its high-end reputation.

 

 

Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage

For the fashion-forward traveler, the Calpak Ambeur is just $325 and comes in the absolute cutest colors, like rose gold and this gorgeous indigo. It looks way more expensive than it is and totally stands out at baggage claim.

Beyond its looks, it’s a dream to maneuver. The wheels are so smooth that pushing it feels effortless, even when it’s fully packed. It expands to offer a generous 100 L of space, and the interior dividers keep everything perfectly in place.

The Downside: The pretty, shiny surface scuffs pretty easily. It will show its battle scars after just a few trips.

 

 

Level8 Luminous Textured Large

Level8 is a newer name that’s seriously impressing everyone, and this textured hardside costs only $250. This one won our vote for top hardside in 2026 luggage reviews for its amazing durability-to-price ratio.

The textured finish is genius because it does a great job of hiding scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking newer for longer. It feels really well-built, with sturdy zippers and smooth spinner wheels. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t skimp on style.

The Downside: As a newer brand, there’s just not as much info out there about its long-term performance over many years.

 

 

The Top Carry-On Bags of 2026

July Carry On Pro

This $325 carry-on from July is all about the details. If you appreciate clever design, you’ll love this one. The wheels are the quietest and smoothest I have ever tested. Seriously, they’re silent.

The telescoping handle is also a standout feature—it has 20 different height settings, which sounds ridiculous until you find that one perfect height and realize what you’ve been missing. Plus, the internal compression system is great for squeezing in that one extra outfit.

The Downside: It’s a great all-arounder, but for the mid-tier price, it doesn’t have one specific luxury feature that makes it a must-have over others.

 

 

Monos Carry-On

The Monos Carry-On, priced at $300, is for the hyper-organized traveler. It got perfect scores from us on maneuverability and organization. It’s sleek, ridiculously lightweight, and glides like it’s floating on air.

Inside, there are so many pockets and compartments that you almost don’t need packing cubes. Even after I packed it for a weekend trip, there was still room to spare. The minimalist design is super chic and comes in a bunch of stunning, muted colors.

The Downside: The matte finish shows every single scuff and fingerprint, and it can be a little tough to wipe clean.

 

 

Beis The Carry-On

For just $220, Shay Mitchell’s brand Beis delivers a carry-on that is both trendy and incredibly practical. This bag is known for having a ton of packing space. If you struggle to fit everything into a carry-on, this is the one for you.

Our testers loved the comfy padded handles and all the little organizational details inside. It’s just a really thoughtfully designed bag that makes packing feel less like a game of Tetris. And the color options are super cute.

The Downside: While it’s great, the overall construction doesn’t feel quite as robust as some of the premium hardside options.

 

 

Quince Carry-On 21″

At an almost unbelievable price of $160, the Quince Carry-On is our top budget pick that feels anything but cheap. It offers the same sleek look and features as bags that cost twice as much.

It has a durable polycarbonate shell, smooth 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and an expandable zipper. It holds up surprisingly well to frequent use and proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a quality piece of luggage.

The Downside: It’s a fantastic value, but it lacks some of the finer details and more premium feel of the higher-end brands.

 

 

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On

Samsonite’s Outline Pro Carry-On costs $250 and is a top contender for anyone who prefers a hardside bag. It scored super high in our durability and performance tests, proving to be a reliable and smooth operator.

This bag is a workhorse. It’s built to withstand the rigors of travel with a tough outer shell and dependable spinner wheels. The interior has great organizational features that make packing straightforward and simple.

The Downside: While it’s a solid performer, its packing capacity is pretty average compared to some of the others on this list.

 

 

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On

The Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On is for those who want to feel like they’re strolling through Paris, even if they’re just headed to Cleveland. For $340, you get a suitcase that is ridiculously chic and surprisingly functional.

The best feature is the patented stop-and-go brake system. With the push of a button, you can lock the front wheels so your bag doesn’t roll away on a slope. The interior is fully lined and the vegan leather trim is a gorgeous touch.

The Downside: The beautiful light-colored options show scuffs very easily, so you have to be prepared for it to look well-loved pretty quickly.

 

 

Versatile Picks for Any Trip

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller

Priced at just $170, the SwissGear Sion is an amazing value for a softside suitcase. If you love external pockets for easy access to your stuff, this is a fantastic choice. It’s got a spot for everything.

It feels very sturdy, with reliable wheels and a solid base. Testers loved all the smart organizational extras, which make it great for both short weekend trips and longer vacations. It’s a consistently high-performing bag for a great price.

The Downside: It’s not going to win any design awards, and the materials don’t feel as high-end as the premium brands.

 

 

Travelpro Maxlite 5 25″

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25″ is a dream come true at only $190. Its biggest selling point is how incredibly lightweight it is. At just 6.7 lbs, it offers a huge 74 L of packing space, making it easy to pack what you want without worrying about weight limits.

The soft handles are super comfortable to hold, and it glides through the airport with zero effort. This is the perfect medium-sized checked bag for anyone who wants to maximize packing space while minimizing weight.

The Downside: As a medium-sized bag, it obviously offers less total capacity than the huge 29″ checked suitcases.

 

 

How to Pick the Best Luggage for You

Okay, so how do you choose? It really depends on your travel style. First, think about hardside vs. softside. Hardside bags offer better protection for fragile items and often come in cuter colors, but they can scuff. Softside bags are more flexible, can squish into tight spaces, and almost always have handy exterior pockets.

Next, let’s talk wheels. Spinner suitcases have four wheels and glide alongside you, which is amazing for smooth airport floors. Two-wheeled roller bags have to be pulled behind you, but they handle rough surfaces like cobblestones or uneven sidewalks a little better. Personally, I’m a spinner girl all the way.

Finally, consider the warranty. A higher price tag, like the one on the Briggs & Riley, often comes with a lifetime guarantee that can save you money in the long run. If you only travel once a year, a budget-friendly option like Quince or SwissGear is perfect. But if you’re constantly on the move, investing in one of the top luggage brands is totally worth it.