Travel smarter by shopping the best luggage brands of the year

In recent years, several trendy luggage producers, such as Away and July, have entered the scene. And classic brands, such as Samsonite and Calpak, are still going strong. 

With so many impressive suitcase makers competing to win your business, it can make choosing the right luggage a more difficult decision. Luckily, though, our travel-savvy editors are on the cutting edge of what’s worth buying — and have narrowed the selection for you. 

From suitcase brands that deliver on style and function to those that design super durable bags, our roundup highlights only the best makers. Keep reading to shop the best luggage brands of 2023 for your next getaway.

Read more: Our editor's picks of the best women's backpacks

Browse our favorite luggage makers

Best luggage brand overall

Briggs & Riley

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From $219 at Briggs & Riley

Best carry-on options

Away

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From $215 at Away

Best for international travel

Monos

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From $255 at Monos

Best for hard shell suitcases

Samsonite

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From $97.99 at Samsonite

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Best luggage brand overall

Briggs & Riley

From $219 at Briggs & Riley

Luggage types: carry-on, checked, backpacks, trunks, soft-sided, hard shell, totes, trunks

Pros & Cons

• Expansion and compression tech

• High-quality materials

• Includes lifetime warranty

• Higher price point

• Colors are a bit common

Looking for a brand that makes stylish, functional luggage? Do you frequently overpack when going on vacation? Then, Briggs & Riley is a good option for you.

Many of the brand’s pieces feature its innovative CX Compression-Expansion technology. This means the luggage will expand to fit your belongings, then compress once it’s packed. The result? You can more easily fit everything you need for your next vacation.

All Briggs & Riley luggage comes with a lifetime warranty. On the off chance that your suitcase breaks, you can either send for a DIY kit, take it to a repair shop or send it in to be fixed. And these services are free of charge for the entire lifetime of the suitcase.

Additionally, these bags come in a variety of colors — and the brand offers many different suitcase styles, including soft-sided, hard shell and more. Briggs & Riley can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it when you just might use its suitcases for decades to come.

Best carry-on options

Away

From $215 at Away

Luggage types: carry-on, medium luggage, large luggage

Pros & Cons

• Variety of colors

• Lightweight design

• Sturdy material

• Higher price point

• Bigger models may need to be checked

Away is one of our favorite luggage brands for its stylish, high-quality offerings. In particular, our editors are impressed by the brand’s range of top-tier carry-on suitcases.

Featuring standard-size carry-ons and its range of “Bigger Carry-ons,” Away caters to both light packers — and those who typically require a bit more space when traveling.

Each Away suitcase features interior compression to help fit all your clothes. Plus, the Flex series expands to fit all those last-minute souvenirs. 

All of its carry-ons are made from lightweight, yet durable materials, such as polycarbonate. That way, you don’t have to worry about your things getting damaged.

These bags also come with TSA-approved locks to keep your belongings safe and secure. Each of the line’s carry-ons also has 360-degree spinner wheels, so you can easily make your way through the airport.

This brand’s carry-on suitcases come in a variety of bright colors to help you stand out in the crowd and spot your bag more easily. And they are sized to fit into the overhead bins on most major airlines, though you may need to check the requirements for smaller aircrafts.

Best for international travel

Monos

From $255 at Monos

Luggage types: carry-on, checked, hybrid carry-on, hybrid checked

Pros & Cons

• Durable materials

• Sleek design

• Expandable

• Larger carry-on may need to be checked

• Scratches easily, according to reviews

Monos combines simple design with sturdy materials into one sleek package. Whether you choose from its classic line or hybrid line — which combines polycarbonate and aluminum — you’ll get a suitcase that will stand the test of time. Offering a variety of sizes, Monos carries a wide range of suitcases designed to suit the needs of world travelers.

Both its Carry-On and Carry-On-Plus luggage will fit into the overhead bin of most major airlines, making them perfect for flying. Or, if you need more pockets for organization, Monos carries a line of Pro suitcases, which have a handy built-in front compartment.

As an added plus, when you’re not traveling, the entire line easily nests inside each other, making storage more convenient. Available in a variety of colors and limited-edition prints, Monos’ suitcases are on the pricier side, but you also get durable, quality luggage you can count on to last.

Best for hard shell suitcases

Samsonite

From $97.99 at Samsonite

Luggage types: carry-on, checked, luggage sets

Pros & Cons

• Wide range of suitcase styles

• Lightweight and durable

• More affordable options

• Less “trendy” brand

• Some styles may scratch easily

Founded in 1910, Samsonite is a well-established brand in the travel gear industry. And while naming it as our favorite luggage brand may seem cliché, we truly can’t fault this classic brand. When it comes to quality luggage, it ticks all of our boxes.

Samsonite carries a wide variety of baggage options from softside and duffel-style rolling bags. In particular, it made our list of best luggage brands for its wide range of hardside luggage that’s made to be lightweight, durable, stylish and functional.

Most of them are expandable and include compression straps. And several of these top-tier suitcases even include USB ports to charge your devices, TSA-approved locks — and tech compartments.

Plus, when it comes to style, our editors are impressed with how the brand continues to reinvent itself over time to offer stylish, modern luggage styles.

Best affordable luggage

Amazon Basics

From $31.68 at Amazon

Luggage types: carry-on, checked, garment bag, hard shell, soft side, duffel bags, backpacks

Pros & Cons

• Affordable prices

• Variety of luggage

• May not be as durable as other brands

While it’s often difficult to find quality travel bags and luggage for lower prices, Amazon Basics has made it possible. 

From luggage sets, to carry-ons and large suitcases, this line features a variety of models. It offers hard shell and soft side bags, as well as, rolling luggage, hand luggage, backpacks, garment bags and more. 

One of their best selling models is the Oxford Expandable Spinner, which is priced at just over $100. It has four 360-degree wheels and is made from strong scratch-resistant plastic. It also has multiple zipper pockets, so you can keep your things organized.

If you’re looking to buy new luggage that won’t break the bank, we recommend checking out the budget-friendly options available via Amazon Basics. While these bags often aren’t the trendiest or most modern, they’re also extremely popular — with many of these suitcases boasting thousands of positive reviews.

Best outdoor adventure luggage

REI

From $34.95 at REI

Luggage types: duffel bags, backpacks, travel packs, wheeled duffels

Pros & Cons

• Great for camping

• Made from recycled materials

• Limited wheeled options

If you’re the more adventurous sort, you’ll want to check out REI for their rugged duffels and backpacks. Many feature recycled ripstop nylon on top and recycled ballistic nylon at the bottom. So, not only are they tough and durable but they’re also eco-friendly as well. Many are also water-resistant should you experience unexpected rain showers.

While some people might not be so partial to duffel bags, many of the REI brand bags come with versatile carry options. You can grab them by the handles or strap on the removable padded shoulder strap. They also have daisy-chain lash points, making it easy to attach gear.

There are a variety of colors and prints available, so you’re not limited to only a utilitarian color scheme.

Best luxury travel bags

Rimowa

From $635 at Rimowa

Luggage types: carry-on, checked, trunk

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight designs

• Lifetime warranty included

• Sleek, iconic design

• High price point

• No soft shell options

For over a century, Rimowa has been redefining the travel experience. Today, it’s a brand known for serving buyers with high-tech premium luggage. While pricier than most, Rimowa’s suitcases deliver quality, function, style and status.

Available in cabin, check-in and extra-large trunk size, these suitcases have the brand’s signature design on the exterior with distinctive grooves. And they come in a range of attractive colors and finishes.

These suitcases also feature TSA-approved locks and many of the brand’s models come with handy organizational components.

Many Rimowa suitcases are fashioned from polycarbonate, and the brand is marketed as having been the first ever to use this durable material. That said, it also makes luggage from high-end anodized aluminum, another longevity-boosting material.

If you have the budget and are looking for luggage that makes a statement, Rimowa should be on your radar.

Best for stylish options

Calpak

$145

From $145 at Calpak

Luggage types: mini carry-ons, standard carry-ons, rolling duffels, medium and large suitcases

Pros & Cons

• Variety of aesthetically pleasing options

• Some affordable options

• Trendy models may go out of style

For some, style is just as important as function when buying luggage. And Calpak is the trendiest luggage brand that delivers on both.

This luggage producer designs suitcases inspired by our favorite fashion trends. Don’t believe us? Take a peek at the Terra 45L Carry-On Luggage, which has a stylish faux leather finish. And check out the super chic Luka Softsided Carry-On Luggage, which is giving major athleisure vibes. Who knew a suitcase could do that?

Boasting stylish sets, carry-ons, medium and large suitcases in a range of colors and finishes, you’ll find the perfect packing staple for your next vacation at Calpak.

Best for modern designs

July

$245

From $245 at July

Luggage types: carry-ons, sets, checked and trunk-style cases

Pros & Cons

• Streamlined, minimalist design

• Lifetime warranty included

• No returns or exchanges on personalized suitcases

Founded in 2018, July is another trendy luggage brand that’s making waves in the travel industry. Its chic line of top-performance hardside suitcases has a smart design that will elevate your travel experience. 

When it comes to aesthetics, our editors love the matte finish on the exterior of the case — along with the modern “July” logo along the side. Available in a wide range of colors, you can choose between neutral colors and more vibrant options.

Depending on your needs, July has a range of bags with special features. If you’re looking for a lightweight bag, the top-rated Carry On Light weighs just 3.9 pounds. So, you’ll have an easier time sticking to the required weight limits when flying.

Or, if you want extra features, the Carry On Pro is an impressive option with a detachable SnapSleeve for your laptop and other items.

Top choice for durability

Travelpro

$129

From $129 at Travelpro

Luggage types: carry-ons, medium and large suitcases

Pros & Cons

• Offers a wide range of luggage styles

• Designed by flight professionals

• Additional costs when shipping to Alaska or Hawaii

Founded over thirty years ago by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro makes luggage that’s designed to withstand the harsh handling while flying.

Intended for both flight professionals and everyday travelers, this brand produces high-quality softside and hardside suitcases in a variety of sizes, including small and large carry-ons, as well as, medium and large.

This line of top-tier travel bags boasts features that are non-negotiables for frequent flyers. To name just a few, many styles are expandable — and have built-in USB ports and TSA-approved locks.

Plus, some of the brand’s bags also come with interchangeable zip-in organizational pockets, so you can customize your packing experience.

How do I pick the right suitcase?

When it comes to luggage, you usually get what you pay for. While more expensive brands can put a strain on your bank account, you’ll get a suitcase that should last you years. However, price isn’t the only consideration when selecting a suitcase. Here are some tips to help you choose the right brand and baggage. 

Check the weight

While most suitcases come with wheels to make transporting them easier, it’s still important to consider a suitcase’s weight. The lighter a suitcase is, the more you can pack without having to pay overweight charges. And yes, it’s easier to load and unload.

Look for a warranty

It’s inevitable that your suitcase is going to get tossed around. This is why you should make sure the brand has a warranty for repairs or replacements — just in case. Also, usually the longer the warranty, the better the assurance that the suitcase won’t break.

What is it made of?

The material a suitcase is made of is important. While the general thought is that a hard shell is more durable than a soft-sided suitcase, this may not always be the case.. That said, polycarbonate and aluminum tend to be the strongest materials on the market.

Which luggage brand gets our vote?

You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the brands on our list. However, if we had to pick out our top two brands, they would be the following:

• Samsonite: It’s a trusted brand with a range of prices and luggage options. If you’re looking for a suitcase that is durable and affordable, you’re likely to find it at Samsonite.

• Briggs & Riley: We selected it as our best overall brand for a reason. It is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but you won’t have to worry about overpacking with their compression tech.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.