The Best Hardside Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

$150 at Amazon $150 at samsonite.com $160 at Macy's

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

We tried dozens of suitcases, and while many are worth considering, the Freeform Spinner was an all-around favorite. Earning perfect ratings in every testing category, this hardside carry-on is lightweight and compact but also spacious enough to fit everything you need for a four-day getaway. It expands if you need extra wiggle room, though we were able to pack everything on our packing test list without this feature. While there are multiple pockets in the main compartment and a separator for dirty shoes, we wish it had a removable laundry bag.

We're big fans of the minimalist-modern design, which is available in more than 12 colors ranging from sage to lilac to everyday neutrals. After smacking the Freeform Spinner with a bat during testing, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) exterior was free of scuffs, scratches, and dents. We wouldn't worry about spilling a drink on it or accidentally dragging it through a puddle either.

This suitcase is a breeze to maneuver on two wheels or four, and it glides smoothly on both hard floors and carpets. The expandable, lockable aluminum handle feels sturdy, too. Considering the accessible price point, reliable construction, and smooth-rolling wheels, we'd recommend Samsonite’s Freeform Spinner to frequent fliers and anyone in the market for a durable carry-on.

The Details: 5.6 pounds | 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 34-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Budget

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

$63 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

For something a little easier on your wallet, look no further than Amazon. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner has an extra-thick thermoplastic shell that promises to protect your belongings and resist scratches. We're pleased to report it showed no signs of damage from our bat hits and drop tests. It's easy to maneuver, even on carpeted flooring and over bumps.

We could fit every last item on our packing list, including shoes, clothes, jackets, and toiletries. There's also an expander that increases the capacity by 15 percent. This wasn't necessary for our test, but we appreciate that there's room to spare. Although this affordable carry-on suitcase doesn't have smart features or a TSA lock, it really exceeded our expectations. We'd love a few more color options but like the pared-down appearance.

The Details: 6.3 pounds | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Built-in Compression

Away The Carry-on Flex

$325 at awaytravel.com

Our Ratings

• Organization
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.8/5
• Value
  5/5
• Capacity
  5/5

This Away bag has a surprising amount of space for a carry-on, with two large interior compartments (one on each side), compression straps, and dividers that keep your clothing from falling out when you open the bag (everything stayed in place even after we threw the bag multiple times off a table). While we were packing the bag during our lab tests, we loved how all of the interior zippers and pockets helped keep everything organized, allowing us to maximize space even without packing cubes. There is also a handy zipper expansion that adds an extra 2.25 inches of space, which is useful, but it does make the bag too large to use as a carry-on, and you’ll be forced to check it. Even when packed full, the zippers all ran smoothly, and we found it easy to maneuver the luggage over concrete tiles, carpet, and around our obstacle course full of bystanders. The wheels rotated smoothly throughout testing, and the bag will even roll on its own without getting stuck if you give it a shove. 

The Details: 8.15 pounds | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | 39.8-liter capacity; 46.7-liter capacity when expanded | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Carry-on

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner

$330 at Amazon View on Delsey.com $660 at Bloomingdales

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

Delsey's Chatelet Air 2.0 is our favorite hardside carry-on. The compact yet spacious design features a zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other. While it doesn't expand, you can fit a decent amount of stuff inside and have peace of mind knowing everything will stay in place. We also like that there are multiple interior pockets and a USB port you can hook up to a portable charger.

Even when packed full, the zippers open and close smoothly. And the four dual-spinner wheels glide effortlessly across hard flooring, carpet, and even stone pavers. This suitcase also passed our durability test with flying colors, sustaining no visible damage when we hit it with a bat and shoved it off a table. During three months of travels, we even checked this carry-on for two different international flights and it still looks perfect after just a bit of cleaning.

The Details: 7.74 pounds | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 44-liter capacity | Smart | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Checked

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside

$262 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you're in the market for checked luggage, the Samsonite Winfield 2 might be your best bet. The polycarbonate shell took our hits, shoves, and drops like a pro, looking just as glossy and scratch-free after the test as when we pulled it out of the packaging. We're big fans of the expandable design; compression system; and zippered divider, which you can use to separate your shoes or clean and dirty clothes. Even when stuffed full, this hardside suitcase maintained its shape and size.

The Winfield 2 was easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and even performed well on carpet and gravel. The handles will also come in handy when grabbing it from baggage claim or lifting it into a car. All things considered, this no-nonsense spinner bag is an excellent choice for overpackers and international trips.

The Details: 11.5 pounds | 31.5 x 20.5 x 13 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Lightweight Carry-on

Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on

$144 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  4.5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  3.8/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

This lightweight carry-on weighed in at just 6.1 pounds and fit snugly into an overhead compartment. The dual compartments, pockets, and cross straps make it easy to pack and organize your stuff. There's also an expander if you need extra space. After whacking it with a bat, we can confirm its scratch-resistant, dent-defying durability.

This suitcase rolls smoothly and turns on a dime. And stuffing it full doesn't seem to make it any harder to maneuver. Having said that, the small wheels sometimes get stuck in grooves, and it's not as easy to push as most spinners. Still, we think the price is sharp and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to overpackers, frequent fliers, and anyone who doesn't want to worry about premature wear and tear.

The Details: 6.1 pounds | 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Lightweight Checked

July Checked Plus Light

View on July.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

Hardside bags can get heavy quickly, so we always appreciate when we can find a checked hardside that weighs under 10 pounds. The July Checked Plus Light feels very lightweight for its size and features a curved eggshell design that maximizes space and keeps it durable. Even though this bag is large, it felt slimmer and more compact than some Away checked bags we tested because of the shape while still feeling spacious inside with a generous 105-liter capacity. We also liked how the interior pockets and straps helped keep things in place so smaller items don’t get lost in the larger bag. This suitcase did not dent at all after we hit it several times with a baseball bat during testing, and this particular style of July luggage did not scuff as much as some of the other July models when we threw it off of a counter fully packed, proving its durability. We also like how you can adjust the handle to any height you want, making it comfortable to carry whether you want to glide it on two or four wheels.

The Details: 9.2 pounds | 30.32 x 20.87 x 11.22 inches | 105-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Style

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

$425 at Amazon $425 at tourparavel.com $425 at maisonette.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

The Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus boasts a sophisticated, vintage-inspired aesthetic and modern features. Available in versatile neutrals and statement colorways, it has a polycarbonate shell with contrasting vegan leather accents. The exterior proved durable during our tests, showing only a few minor scuffs, which may not be as noticeable on the darker colors.

Though it doesn't expand, this is one of the larger carry-on suitcases we tried. It has excellent capacity with zippered compartments and a compression pad, allowing us to easily fit all items on our packing list. We also like that it comes with a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate. Not only that, but it was a piece of cake to maneuver on different types of flooring and around tight corners.

The Details: 8.5 pounds | 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 46.6-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Trunk

Away The Trunk

$435 at awaytravel.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

A trunk is a stylish alternative to your typical clamshell suitcase — instead of splitting evenly down the middle, it has a 30/70 design with a thinner top half and a deeper main compartment. This is useful if you have any large or bulky items, making it easier to fit everything inside the spacious checked bag. We put the trunk to the test, gliding it through our obstacle course full of people and found that it maneuvers much smoother than a regular checked bag because of the taller rectangle shape. The trunk is surprisingly lightweight for its large size, but we did notice that it felt a little heavier on one side because of the way we packed it, so we recommend distributing your items evenly on each side so that it doesn’t feel lopsided. This was also the most durable piece of Away luggage we tested, surviving our table drops and baseball bat beating with nearly a scuff or scratch. Bonus points for the included sponge that you can use to wipe off any scuffs.

The Details: 12.1 pounds | 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 107-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Most Durable

Roam The Check-in

View on Roamluggage.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  4/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

When it comes to durability, the Roam Check-in is tough to beat. The rigid polycarbonate shell looks and feels sturdy, and it sustained exactly zero nicks, scuffs, or dents during our tests. For even more peace of mind, the exterior zippers are water-repellent — perfect if you're packing for a trip to London or any potentially rainy location. It's on the smaller side for checked luggage, but the expander gives you an extra couple of inches. While we were able to fit all the essentials for a four-day vacation, we would have appreciated a bit more space.

This midsize suitcase was easy to move around — even on gravel — and the handles come in handy when lifting it. The color block design is cool but not over the top and makes for a great way to spot your luggage at baggage claim. You can customize it if you're not a fan of the pre-curated colors or just want something entirely unique. It's definitely one of the more expensive options, but Roam backs it with a lifetime warranty.

The Details: 9.3 pounds | 26 x 17.5 x 10 inches | 60-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Splurge

Rimowa Original Cabin

View on Rimowa.com

Our Ratings

• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Capacity
  4.5/5
• Design
  5/5

When it comes to aluminum luggage, the Rimowa Original Cabin is a worthwhile investment if you can swing the steep price. Though it doesn't expand, this suitcase meets carry-on size limits for most airlines while still offering an impressive amount of interior space. We packed it for a four-day trip and easily fit several outfits, outerwear, and multiple pairs of shoes inside. Not only that, but the dividers help ensure everything stays securely in place.

Thanks to the smooth-gliding spinner wheels, we had no issue rolling this bag over hard floors, carpet, pavement, and even cobblestone. We can't say it's the lightest carry-on, but it's not super heavy, either. We could hoist it into an overhead compartment and lift it into a car when packed full. Our favorite thing about this suitcase might be the slick, futuristic design and high-end appearance. It's remarkably durable, too, sustaining zero damage during our in-cabin travel test. The brand backs the suitcase with a lifetime guarantee, but make sure to register your luggage as soon as you pull it out of the packaging.

The Details: 9.5 pounds | 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | 34.8-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best for Staying Organized

Béis Large Check-in Roller

$328 at Nordstrom $328 at beistravel.com $328 at Bloomingdales

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5

This checked suitcase is one of the biggest we tested. There was easily enough room for double the amount of stuff on our packing list — and that's without the expander, which adds another three inches to the depth. Beyond the enormous 112-liter capacity, the internal pockets and removable pouches helped us keep things organized, while the zippered compartment and compression straps ensured everything stayed in place. It also comes with a laundry bag for keeping your dirty clothes separated while you're away and a retractable strap to make carrying another piece of luggage easier. We did notice, over three months of testing, that the downside to the large size and helpful organizational features is that it's easy to overpack, leading to overweight luggage fees.

Considering how big this suitcase is, the smooth spinner wheels and padded handle make it super comfortable to maneuver. While this bag passed our durability tests without any dents or scratches, it scuffs pretty easily. However, the darker colors should conceal marks better, and you can wipe down the exterior to remove any scuffs as needed.

The Details: 11.5 pounds | 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches | 112-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Best Expandable

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner

$400 at Amazon $400 at travelpro.com $376 at Macy's

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

The Check-in Hardside Spinner from Travelpro's Platinum Elite line is nice and spacious, with an expansion zipper that adds a full two inches to the depth. We had no problem fitting the entire packing list and felt like there was room to spare, which is what you'd expect from great expandable luggage. They liked how the zipper panels and cross straps kept everything in place when they opened and closed it.

This large, 108-liter suitcase has an ultra-strong polycarbonate shell that resists cracking and crushing. After pushing it off a table and hitting it a few times with a bat, we noticed only a few superficial marks — no dents and nothing that wouldn't wipe off. It also rolls smoothly over carpet, bumps, and even gravel. We think the price is a good value considering the generous size, high-quality design, and five-year warranty.

The Details: 12.1 pounds | 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | 108-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best With Removable Battery

July Carry On

View on July.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

This carry-on is appropriately sized to fit in the overhead bin on standard airlines without feeling overly bulky or cumbersome. Though it doesn’t have an expander, it felt like it had a larger capacity than similarly sized carry-ons that we’ve tried. Our favorite thing about this smart suitcase is that it comes with a removable battery so you don’t have to live in fear of your phone dying when you can’t find an open outlet in the airport. While many smart bags have a charger, they don’t always include the battery as well. 

The polycarbonate shell feels very durable, with reinforced bumpers that felt like they added an extra layer of protection against our drop tests, in which we threw the fully packed bag off a tall counter from different angles. The wheels rolled smoothly over both concrete and carpet, and the interior Y-strap compression system helped keep all of our belongings in place. We also loved that we could raise the handle to 20 different heights, making it comfortable to walk with no matter how tall or short you are.

The Details: 7.4 pounds | 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 42-liter capacity | Smart | 4 dual spinner wheels