The 9 Best Luggage Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall, Runner-up

Samsonite

Ten of the 14 Samsonite bags we tested earned overall ratings of 4 or higher, with an average score of 4.2 out of 5. The brand’s suitcases are generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors and built-in expanders. Though most don’t come with laundry bags, we appreciated the zippered compartments, compression straps, shoe separators, and easy-access pockets.

The hardside suitcases are made of high-strength thermoplastic, and the softside exteriors are sourced from recycled plastic bottles. They sustained hardly any damage after being hit with a bat and shoved off a table. Samsonite luggage also maneuvers without a fuss, even on carpeted floors and gravel. The sturdy, lockable aluminum handles are a nice touch too. Prices are more than reasonable, and while you’ll have to make any returns within 30 days, the brand backs its products with a 10-year warranty.

Price Range: $63-$1,150

The Details: 30 day return policy | 10 year warranty

Away luggage has a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal. Six of the eight pieces we tested earned a score of 4 or above, with an average overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. Though we’re not sold on the backpacks and duffels, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the brand’s suitcases and weekenders. The checked baggage and hard-shell carry-ons are light yet durable and easy to wipe clean. They didn’t sustain any dents from our bat tests, but there were a few scratches after being shoved off a table. We liked the dual main compartments, compression systems, expanders, and dirty laundry satchels. The suitcases were a breeze to maneuver on their 360-degree spinner wheels, and carrying the weekender was comfortable with the padded shoulder strap. Away is certainly not the cheapest luggage brand out there, but it’s also far from the most expensive. Considering the 100-day return window, lifetime warranty, and stylish designs, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to pretty much any traveler.

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Price Range: $75-$745

The Details: 100 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

Best for Staying Organized

Paravel

Four of the five Paravel bags we tested clocked an overall rating of 4 or higher, with an average score of 4.1 out of 5. While we weren’t huge fans of the foldable duffel, the suitcases and weekenders were hits in the lab. Perfect for organized travelers, this brand takes the cake for additional features. We loved the dual compartments, many pockets, dividers, and removable laundry bags. While the suitcases don’t expand, the compression pads make fitting everything a cinch.

Most luggage held up well during our durability tests, though the lighter-colored hardside models are prone to scuffing. The suitcases are also easy to pull, push, and roll over various flooring materials. What’s more, Paravel luggage is undeniably stylish with a sophisticated appeal and a cool mid-century flair. Prices are somewhat steep, but in the end, we think it’s worth the investment.

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Price Range: $35-$1,300

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5 year warranty

Best Spacious Bags

Delsey

Delsey is a go-to for large-capacity luggage. Four of the five pieces we tested earned overall ratings of at least 4, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5. This brand carries both hardside and softside suitcases, including surprisingly spacious carry-ons and checked baggage with built-in expanders. We were thrilled by how much they fit, noting that they could easily pack all items on our packing list with room to spare, even without expansion functions.

The suitcases maneuver well on their four spinner wheels, even over carpet, cracks, and bumps. Most models are also lightweight, so lifting them into an overhead bin is no problem. The only downside is that the hardside models are prone to scuffing, but this may not be an issue with darker colors. We appreciate Delsey’s accessible price points, plus the brand backs its luggage with warranties ranging from five to 10 years.

Sale: 10% off select bags

Price Range: $56-$840

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5–10 year warranty

Best for Smaller Bags

Calpak

If you’re looking for something you can stash in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, Calpak might be your best bet. Of the six bags we tested, five earned a rating of 4 or higher, and the average overall score was 4.3 out of 5. While the backpack we tried was just okay, we loved the duffles, underseat bags, and suitcases.

The compact designs fit enough stuff to get through a weekend getaway or short business trip. Even when packed full, they rolled beautifully on two wheels or four. And the duffle-style weekender bag was comfortable to carry with its shoulder strap. Despite the small size, the modish silhouettes and refined color options will leave no confusion over whether this luggage is for an adult or child. Though the two-year warranty is shorter than most other brands, we think Calpak’s prices are more than fair.

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Price Range: $195-$715

The Details: 30 day return policy | 2 year warranty

Best Budget

Amazon Basics

We tested two suitcases and one backpack from Amazon Basics. Each piece earned an overall rating well above 4, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5. We can confidently tell you there’s much more to love about this luggage brand than a budget-friendly price tag. More pockets would have been appreciated, but the carry-on and checked models easily fit everything on our packing list without the expanders, which adds another 15 percent to the capacity.

The hardside suitcases have extra-thick thermoplastic shells that passed our durability tests with flying colors — no scratches or dents in sight. They were generally easy to maneuver, too, albeit a little more difficult on gravel. Color options are limited, and while most Amazon Basics carriers don’t have TSA locks or smart features, the designs exceeded our expectations.

Price Range: $31-$178

The Details: 30 day return policy | 3 year warranty

If you want the crème de la crème of luggage, Tumi is where it’s at. Three of the five bags we tried earned a score above 4, with an average overall rating of 4 out of 5. The suitcases and underseat bags fared better than the duffle we tested, but all in all, we were impressed. There was plenty of space to pack everything on our list, even without the expanders. This brand also stands out for its organizational, smart, and security features. We’re talking ample pockets, removable garment bags, laptop sleeves, USB ports, lockable zippers, and TSA-approved locks.

Whether you go softside or hard, you can count on reliable durability. We observed virtually no scuffs or scratches after whacking the bags with a bat, save for one carry-on that sustained a pretty big dent. Tumi luggage is easy to maneuver, thanks to the spinner wheels, but bear in mind the checked sizes are pretty heavy when empty. If you can swing the steep price, we think the brand is an excellent choice for long trips, frequent fliers, and those who like to stay organized.

Price Range: $595-$3,000

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5 year warranty