Best Luggage Brands of 2025, Tested by Experts

These top luggage brands offer something for every type of traveler.

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When planning your next vacation, don't overlook one of the most important aspects of the 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 to hold up to wear and tear. In the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab, we've tested over 100 suitcases in recent years from more than 70 brands to find the best luggage brands for every type of traveler.

Our Top Pick: Samsonite stands out in our Textiles Lab and consumer tests year after year, thanks to its quality products offered at consistent prices. In our evaluations, the suitcases have earned high marks for ease of use, packability, durability, appearance and more.

Each piece of luggage is rigorously reviewed by experts in the Lab as well as by consumer testers who come into the Lab to maneuver the luggage through an obstacle course, where they weigh in on handle comfort, wheel performance and more. Finally, we send luggage out with travelers into the real world for firsthand feedback.

Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — plus both its hard and softside suitcases have continuously proven to be high quality in our tests over the years.

In particular, it 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.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers who tried Samsonite's Elevation and Freeform suitcases appreciated the sturdy and functional design, highlighting the easy-to-use zippers, spacious interiors and smooth wheels.

Freeform Hardside Medium Checked ($230): Our top-ranking hardside suitcase is made of durable polypropylene and expands for extra packing space. Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Carry-On ($169): The softside suitcase resisted wear in our abrasion tests and 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. Between the designs and versatile range of offerings, 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, it gets high ratings from online reviewers who noted that the bags are surprisingly spacious, and our testers said the luggage is lightweight and easy to use.

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.

Pop Max Softside Luggage Set ($280): 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."

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. Testers of the brand's softside bags also liked the organized packing spaces and were impressed by how much they could fit inside.

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.

The Everywhere Bag ($195): A stylish and surprisingly spacious weekender bag that GH analysts and testers love. It 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.

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. Other testers highlighted the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle.

Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner ($699): 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 ($799): 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 does not disappoint. There are softside and hardside styles to choose from, plus garment bags, duffels and more. Amazon also boasts extensive testing to make sure their products will hold up, and though the luggage might not the absolute best quality out there, 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.

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.

21-inch Hardside Carry-On ($66): For less than $70, this carry-on lightweight 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 ($19): 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.

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... rolling. The brand's hardside suitcases have a sophisticated and simple look and come in tons of trendy colors like light green and lavender, but they did scuff easily in our tests.

There are three collections including ultra-lightweight models, classic suitcases and larger trunks, and all of them feature the brand's best feature: super smooth wheels. The suitcases glided through our luggage obstacle course and were a breeze to navigate around twists and turns.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers couldn't get enough of the wheels on the Classic suitcases with one who shared, "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.

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 Light ($295): July's "Light" collection is made of very lightweight polycarbonate. This checked bag is simpler and less spacious than some others but weighs in at just 7 pounds.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: July Luggage

This luxury brand is on the pricey side but has timeless designs — from hardside to herringbone fabric — that never go out of style. In fact, the brand’s marketing and aesthetics are focused heavily on its heritage.

Hartmann luggage has been a top performer in our tests due to spacious interiors that are easy to pack and wheels and handles that make the bags smooth and comfortable to maneuver.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: The softside suitcases have earned high scores in our tests — especially standing out for being durable, lightweight and spacious. Consumer testers loved the brand's sturdy telescopic handles and gave them high ratings for being comfortable to grip, making the suitcase easy to push and pull.

Herringbone Deluxe Extended Journey ($480): The traditional carry-on is made with the brand's signature herringbone material. Inside is a removable folding garment bag to store nicer clothing, and the suitcase expands for extra packing space.

Reserve Hardside Carry-On ($600): Made of durable polycarbonate with real leather elements, this hardside suitcase from Hartmann has a classic design with luxurious details including a curved telescopic handle for comfort and a removable packing cube and shoe bag.

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.

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. 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.

Carry-On Roller ($238): 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 Crescent Weekender ($143): This stylish weekend bag can hold all you'll need for a day trip and has a pocket for everything from your water bottle to a change of shoes and a laptop.

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.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Testers loved TravelPro's sturdy suitcases, especially the softside Platinum Elite styles, which they said can be packed to the brim. 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.

Platinum Elite Softside Carry-On ($430): 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.

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. 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.

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. Testers 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.

Ambeur Carry-On ($195): 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 ($128): Our top-tested weekender, 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.

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.

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. One user shared that the brand's Alpha bags are able to fit more than expected inside too.

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.

Alpha Bravo Search Backpack ($595): This backpack is spacious and versatile, perfect for business, travel and beyond. It has several outer pockets, a luggage sleeve and padded laptop storage.

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 cram 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.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers, including a GH analyst, said the rolling duffel bags are durable and spacious. One tester who has been using her L.L.Bean duffel for years 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.

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 ($99): 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.

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 try the luggage out before committing to your purchase.

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. Testers loved the sleek appearance of the suitcases, but they've noted that the bags scuff easily and can be difficult to wipe clean.

Expandable Carry-On ($315): 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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 reviewers 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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