The Best Luggage on Amazon, Tested by Our Experts
Of the hundreds of luggage pieces we’ve tested in the Lab, these made the cut, plus they’re conveniently available on Amazon.
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It’s officially travel season—and if you have a trip or two on the calendar, you’ll want luggage and travel gear that can keep up. The fiber scientists and travel experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab rigorously test the most popular luggage brands and bags on the market from versatile carry-ons to spacious checked bags—we’ve tested more than 100 pieces of luggage through both in-Lab evaluations and real-world testing at airports and during personal travels.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage
- Best Carry-on: Away Carry-On
- Best Checked: Amazon Basics 30" Hardside Large Checked Luggage
- Best Weekender: Bagsmart Weekender Personal Item Bag
When testing luggage, we assess factors like scuff resistance and durability, and then we also enlist consumer testers to provide feedback on maneuverability, ease of use, and comfort. What’s great is that many of our top-performing bags are available on Amazon, so if you need luggage fast or just like the convenience of shopping from Amazon, you’ll have plenty of solid contenders to choose from.
Best Deal
Pros
- Smooth wheels
- Durable, resistant to damage
- Easy to open and close
Cons
- Carrying handles are tight
WHAT WE LOVE: Samsonite's luggage has always stood out in our Textiles Lab's evaluations, especially in tests for ease of use and durability. In particular, the Freeform Hardside Expandable bag is simple to maneuver, easy to pack, and durable, making it the perfect pick for someone who travels frequently.
TESTING NOTES: The Freeform bag received perfect scores for being easy to open and close, and it performed fairly well in our drop tests, taking on little damage. Testers who tried the suitcase agreed that the wheels were smooth and rolled with ease. According to testers, the carrying handles are on the smaller side, so it's best to roll around rather than carry. The small carrying handles also make this suitcase more difficult to lift into an overhead bin.
On Amazon, there are over a dozen neutral and fashionable colors to choose from, and you can pick between the carry-on, medium, or checked bag, as well as a two-piece luggage set.
READ OUR FULL BRAND REVIEW: The Best Samsonite Luggage
| Dimensions | 10" x 15.25" x 21.25" |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Material | Polypropylene |
Pros
- Durable material resists damage
- Stylish, minimalist look
- Comes with a laundry bag for dirty clothes
Cons
- Some testers wished the telescopic handle was sturdier
- More expensive than other carry-ons
WHAT WE LOVE: At just about any airport, you’re bound to spot multiple travelers rolling Away’s carry-on—it’s that popular. The hard-shell exterior is sleek and minimalist, but it also proved to be durable during our Lab’s scratch and drop tests, resisting scuffs and dents. It comes in several colors.
TESTING NOTES: Our Lab analysts appreciate its spacious capacity and smooth maneuverability, though it is more expensive than most other carry-ons. “It was easy to keep all my belongings organized, and I especially loved the included laundry bag that kept my dirty clothes separate,” says Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles Lab. It’s fairly lightweight with multiple grab handles around the side and bottom of the bag, making it easier to lift.
One tester described it as "stylish and easy to roll," while another summarized her experience by saying, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Away Carry-On
| Dimensions | 9" x 13.7" x 21.7" |
| Weight | 8.1 lbs |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
Pros
- No major dents in drop tests
- Solid maneuverability scores in our Lab tests
- Dependable under-$100 option
Cons
- Telescopic handle not sturdy
WHAT WE LOVE: Amazon’s in-house Basics brand offers some of the most affordable, but totally dependable, luggage on the market.
TESTING NOTES: While it’s made from ABS plastic, which isn’t as durable as polycarbonate, the checked luggage performed well in our Lab’s durability drop tests. One tester described the carry-on version’s glide as “very easy to move,” and others agreed, noting that it was smooth and easy to maneuver through our obstacle course.
The interior is spacious with a large zippered compartment on one side, smaller pockets for organization, and a compression strap on the other side. Plus, it’s expandable so you’ll have extra room if you need it.
| Dimensions | 30.7" x 12.6" x 20.7" |
| Material | 11.8 lbs |
| Weight | Hardside ABS |
Pros
- Affordable
- Spacious interior with organizational pockets
- Made of lightweight fabric
Cons
- Thinner material can show wear
WHAT WE LOVE: Although weekender bags are smaller than your average suitcase, they can still ring up high price tags. That's why our pros love Bagsmart's overnight bag that is just $30. Lightweight nylon fabric and a wide crossbody strap make this easy to carry through train stations and airports. Choose from two sizes (medium or large) and six colors including pink (pictured), beige, black, and more.
TESTING NOTES: Some testers noted that the thinner material can show wear after a longer journey. Still, they were impressed by how much they could fit in the weekender and appreciated the spacious interior and exterior pockets for organization.
| Dimensions | 18.5" x 8.7" x 11" (medium); 21.3" x 8.7" x 12.6" (large) |
| Weight | 1.54 lbs (medium); 1.76 lbs (large) |
| Material | Nylon |
Pros
- Durable exterior made from an abrasion-resistant fabric
- Wheels can roll in any direction
- Comes with a water-resistant toiletry bag
Cons
- Heavier compared to other suitcases
WHAT WE LOVE: Founded by a pilot, Travelpro makes luggage specifically designed for airline crew. Even if you don't travel for a living, the brand's softside luggage is a go-to recommendation in our Lab for its durability and features, like self-aligning wheels that can roll in any direction. This bag is available in five sizes: 19-inch carry-on, 20-inch carry-on, 21-inch carry-on, 25-inch checked (featured here), and 28-inch checked.
TESTING NOTES: This bag has a spacious interior and a tie-down system with compression straps. Our experts also love the cushioned handle for added comfort and its tough, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric. Interior pockets and an included water-resistant toiletry bag will help keep your travel essentials organized.
Note that our Lab pros found the suitcase to be on the heavier side, although that can be expected as softside suitcases tend to weigh more than hardside options due to the material.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Travelpro Luggage Platinum Elite Collection
| Dimensions | 28" x 18.5" x 11.75" |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs |
| Material | Nylon, leather |
Pros
- Fits within the personal item requirements for most airlines
- Holds three to five days' worth of stuff
- Includes packing cubes and a shoe bag
Cons
- Limited color choices and no patterns available
WHAT WE LOVE: With a 40 liter capacity, Bagsmart’s Travel Laptop backpack is one of our affordable favorites from Amazon. While it may not stand out for its style, it makes up for it with generous capacity and practicality. And it’s the ideal size for a personal item on most airlines.
TESTING NOTES: Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn took this backpack on six trips and was very impressed by its performance. “I tested it in winter, though, packing bulky sweaters and wide-leg jeans, and found it comfortably fit three days' worth of my outfits, plus pajamas and a gym set. I even managed to stuff in a thick, long wool coat—and it fit with no issue,” she said. She also noted that you can open it flat and pack it like a suitcase, and its compression feature allows you to expand it for even more space.
It also has a dedicated laptop sleeve, three zippered front pockets, a side water bottle pocket, an interior mesh compartment for smaller items, and two packing cubes, and a shoe bag. Hartshorn noted that there are limited color options and no patterns available—only solid neutrals.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bagsmart Travel Backpack
| Dimensions | 18.5" x 12.2" x 6.1" |
| Weight | 2.26 lbs |
| Material | Nylon, faux leather |
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Expandable design with a roomy interior
- Two external storage pockets
Cons
- Handle not as sturdy as others
- Not as style-forward as other brands
WHAT WE LOVE: American Tourister is one of our go-to brands for budget-friendly carry-ons and checked bags. This carry-on fits nicely in the above storage compartment and has surprisingly good looks, considering the price tag.
TESTING NOTES: We appreciate that it expands for more room as you need it, and that two exterior pockets and additional interior pockets help keep everything organized. Testers loved this sleek, easy-to-move suitcase, but noted that the handle wasn't the best quality and felt a bit wobbly when using. For a lower price, slightly lower quality can be expected.
| Dimensions | 14.5" x 9.5" x 23.5" |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Material | Polyester |
Pros
- Carrying handles and removable padded shoulder strap
- Separate shoe compartment
- Favorite brand among experts
Cons
- Not large enough for a long trip
WHAT WE LOVE: Herschel's bags, including its laptop bags, backpacks, and duffels, are a favorite of Textiles Lab experts who are always impressed by the brand's quality and simple design.
TESTING NOTES: The Novel Duffle is made with a 600-denier recycled polyester body, a material that proved to be very durable in our abrasion resistance tests in the Lab. It’s designed with a large compartment for belongings and a mesh pocket for organization. There's even an additional shoe compartment to keep your extra pair separated from the rest of your things. Choose between the carrying handles or padded shoulder strap to tote it around. While it's perfectly sized for a weekend trip (fitting everything in our carry-on suitcase packing test!), it's not the ideal pick for a longer trip. "This bag felt never-ending! I was impressed with just how much I could fit,” said one tester.
| Dimensions | 11" x 20.5" x 12" |
| Weight | 2.23 lbs |
| Material | Polyester |
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight build for a softside suitcase
- Comes with coordinating laundry bags
Cons
- Lower maneuverability scores
WHAT WE LOVE: We ranked Delsey Paris as one of the best luggage brands for its quality and affordable price point. “I have carried multiple carry-on suitcases from Delsey and immediately noticed a difference in the quality of my Delsey bags compared to more affordable—and even more expensive—alternatives,” says Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.
TESTING NOTES: This is a classic softside luggage set that proved to be durable during our Lab tests. The carry-on weighs around 6.7 pounds, making it one of the lightest fabric suitcases we've evaluated.
Our Textiles Lab analysts were impressed by how much could fit inside the suitcases during packing tests, thanks to the flexible material. Testers also appreciated the external pockets for quick access to necessities and that it comes with coordinating laundry bags. The one drawback? It wasn’t as easy to roll through our obstacle course as other bags.
| Dimensions | 32.7" x 20" x 13.25" (large); 28" x 17.75" x 12" (medium); 23.5" x 10" x 14.25" (carry-on) |
| Weight | 10.19 lbs (large); 8.4 lbs. (medium); 6.72 lbs (carry-on) |
| Material | Polyester and nylon |
Pros
- Stylish vintage-inspired exterior with faux leather accents
- Smooth rolling multi-directional wheels
- Includes removable hanger and storage bags
Cons
- May show wear over time
WHAT WE LOVE: There are two kinds of travelers: those who strive for comfort and those who travel in style. This elegant suitcase grants you best of both worlds. Faux-leather accents give it a vintage trunk-style charm, and we like the durable shell that's designed to resist breaking. You'll benefit from multi-directional wheels and a wheel break system so your luggage doesn't roll away.
TESTING NOTES: A GH editor owns the Chatelet and says it "fits everything I need for a short trip. The wheels are so smooth, and it’s a breeze to roll through the airport." When you open the bag, you'll find a luxurious interior with two large compartments equipped with straps as well as a removable hanger, laundry bag, and shoe bag. One analyst reported that theirs cracked after a few years of use, though we didn’t experience major damages or dents in Lab drop tests.
| Dimensions | 20.25" x 9.5" x 14.25" |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs |
| Material | Polycarbonate, faux leather |
How we test the best luggage on Amazon
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate luggage using standardized test methods and Lab equipment. We even set up an obstacle course for consumer testers to test-drive the luggage’s maneuverability.
To determine the top picks for this article, we consider data from our tests along with feedback from our consumer testers and our own personal travels to narrow down the best luggage available on Amazon. Here are some of the characteristics we review:
✔️ Size and weight: We weigh each piece of empty luggage to validate that the weight listed online is correct; we've found the listed specs are not always accurate. If the luggage is considered "carry-on" size, we place it into a 22” x 14” x 9” area to ensure it complies with most airline carry-on size restrictions. Make sure to confirm with your airline that your luggage complies with their size and weight limits.
✔️ Packing capabilities and ease of use: Textiles Lab pros fill each suitcase with a standard load, including clothes, shoes, and toiletries. While packing the luggage, we rate how easy the luggage is to open and close, how well the zippers work, and whether or not a standard load of clothing fits inside. We also consider how other design features, like wheels, telescopic handles, and locks, operate. Once the bag has been packed, we ask consumer testers to roll it over different surfaces such as tile, wood flooring, and carpet and lift it up onto countertops to gauge the quality of the carrying handles.
✔️ Drop durability: We place the packed luggage in our drop tester (pictured here), which releases the luggage from a set 3-foot height, allowing us to analyze any imperfections that occur as a result, including dents or cracking.
✔️Abrasion resistance: If the luggage is softside, we cut out swatches of fabric to place in our abrasion machine, which rubs the fabric 15,000 times with an abrasive material. Once the abrasion test is complete, we grade the luggage fabric for signs of wear, like fiber pilling or holes (pictured here).
✔️ Scratch resistance: We drag a wire over the surface of hardside luggage and visually evaluate any scuffs or damage left behind.
✔️ Water resistance: After placing blotting paper inside the suitcase, we pour water onto the luggage zippers and then measure how much water has seeped through to the inside.
✔️Consumer tests: It's important to mimic real use when evaluating luggage, so we set up an obstacle course in the Lab and have consumer testers run through the course. They then rate the luggage for subjective characteristics like ease of using the handles, wheel performance, overall maneuverability, and sturdiness. The obstacle course includes rolling the luggage over different types of flooring, moving it through twists and turns, lifting it over curbs, and more.
What to look for when shopping for luggage on Amazon
With so many luggage brands available on Amazon, it can be difficult to decide which ones are worth it. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for luggage online:
✔️ Wheels: We recommend looking for luggage with four 360-degree spinner wheels because they consistently receive high scores in our tests for maneuverability.
✔️ Telescopic handle: Because you're unable to test out the luggage before buying when shopping online, it's a good idea to look through the product description and reviews to learn more about the telescopic handles. We recommend ones that are adjustable to different height levels and that are made with grip material and added padding for comfort.
✔️ Side handles: If you plan to place your luggage in overhead compartments or stow it away during travel, make sure to look for side carrying handles for easy lifting.
✔️ Compartments: Luggage interiors vary from model to model, so consider whether or not you would like your luggage to unzip into one large compartment or two separate compartments for your belongings. Some suitcases feature exterior pockets as well for easy access to essentials like electronics or toiletries.
✔️ Weight: Airlines have weight restrictions, and heavier suitcases can be more difficult to carry in general. Opt for a lightweight piece to make travel easier. Softside luggage often weighs more than hardside luggage—and added components like wheels and handles contribute to the overall weight of the luggage as well.
Is softside or hardside luggage better?
Both hardside and softside luggage have performed well in our tests, but there are pros and cons to each material. Here's what to keep in mind:
✔️Hardside luggage: Hardside suitcases are popular because they are both lightweight and protective. But the thing is, not every hardside case is made of the same material:
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is lighter than metal but sturdier than plastic, so it's the most popular hardside luggage material. It's a durable choice but usually costs more and is prone to scratching.
- ABS: Lower-cost hardside luggage is typically made of this lightweight plastic material, which means it isn't as durable and is more likely to scuff with use.
- Polycarbonate/ABS composites: There are some suitcases that use both materials, usually with an ABS plastic underneath and a polycarbonate-coated outer layer. They combine aspects of each material but ultimately aren't as durable as 100% polycarbonate.
✔️Softside luggage: Fabric luggage is more malleable, so it's typically easier to fill with more belongings and can be compacted more for storage:
- Nylon: This is a common synthetic material that's used for softside luggage because it's durable and withstands abrasion well.
- Polyester: This fabric is typically less expensive and lighter weight than nylon, but it's also generally less durable.
Is Amazon a good place to buy luggage?
Our pros say an emphatic yes to this one! Amazon carries many of our top-tested luggage brands like Samsonite and Away, and offers quick Prime two-day shipping. Frequent sale events like Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, Prime Day, and Black Friday, let you shop high-performing luggage for less. And if you need more opinions, there are thousands of customer reviews to consider. Note: There are third-party sellers on Amazon, and we always recommend checking that the luggage is linked to the actual brand's storefront.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She tests and reports on home and apparel products in the Textiles Lab. She has researched and written about luggage, including hardside suitcases and carry-on bags, for Good Housekeeping and has evaluated some styles firsthand, analyzing performance properties. For this article, she used her categorical expertise and the feedback from real users to determine the best luggage picks on Amazon.
Anvita Reddy is a commerce editor with more than five years of hands-on product testing experience. She has conducted in-depth, first-person evaluations of luggage, with a real-life approach to testing suitcases during air travel and car trips. Her expertise lies in assessing personal item bags designed to fit under airplane seats, with a focus on spaciousness, durability, and travel-friendly design.
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