The best suitcases we’ve tested in 2024

Whether you’re going on a long-haul flight or a weekend getaway, picking the best suitcase for your trip will help take the stress out of travelling.

We’ve tested every suitcase on this roundup, packing them full and subjecting them to car boots, train stations and airports to sort the wheat from the chaff. Here you’ll find the suitcases that excelled in testing, including hard-shell and soft-sided cases, travel bags and kid-friendly options.

If you’re not sure where to start, then our buying guide at the bottom of the article will help paint a clearer picture. If you’re in a rush, you’ll find a quick list of our expert picks immediately below – or, simply skip to our detailed reviews.

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Our expert picks

Best suitcase for most people

Best budget suitcase

Best lightweight suitcase

How we test suitcases

We test all the suitcases we review in real-life situations, which always includes packing them and travelling with them – negotiating train stations, or airports, and loading them into a car boot.

We put the exterior through its paces to check how sturdy it is – all sorts can happen to luggage while in transit, so we need to see how well the case can withstand biffs and bumps.

We consider the overall quality of the suitcases’ construction, examining any zips, buckles, joins and seams to check they have been well crafted and neatly appointed.

We look for helpful compartments, pockets or features such as waterproof pouches, interior straps and flat dividers. We take into account what, if any, options there are to ‘expand’ the capacity and dimensions of the cases, should we need extra room, but we don’t overfill to the point that zips strain.

We test how easy it is to manoeuvre the full case. We consider the handles and, if the handle is extendable, is the action smooth, or glitchy? Does the case have wheels? If so, how many? And we assess how easy and light it feels to steer.

Finally, we confirm the weight, dimensions and capacity of the case.

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1. The best suitcase for most people

Samsonite S’Cure Spinner | From £163

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Samsonite’s four-wheeled “spinner” suitcase strikes a good balance of portability, protection and good looks. A waterproof seal keeps the rain out and a triple-locking system keeps everything else in – even if we did find the numbers on the combination to be a little fiddly.

The S’Cure also comes with more pockets, compartments and dividers than most other suitcases, which we found pretty handy when it comes to staying organised. All four sizes of the case feel impressively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, thanks to the ‘Flowlite’ outer material and aluminium handle tubes.

It may be expensive, but Samsonite is a trusted brand name and this case is robust and versatile enough to travel with you for years to come.

2. The best suitcase for summer holidays

American Tourister Soundbox | From £104

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Sunshine comes in luggage form with the Golden Yellow edition of this hard-shell suitcase from industry veteran American Tourister. We’re big fans of the colourways, with its bright hues and bold design, it won’t be hard to spot this handsome piece of luggage as it comes around the baggage carousel. Of course, if you would rather not go for bright yellow, red, green or blue, then it’s also available in the more sombre and sober Midnight Navy and Bass Black.

Made from very durable polypropylene, this unit has a TSA-coded zip lock for extra security, and a handy four-wheel setup for hypermobility as you traverse airport terminals and concourses. The small size is dinky enough to qualify as carry-on luggage, while the large size is capacious enough to accommodate all the sundresses and swimwear you could possibly need, particularly since it’s also expandable.

3. The best suitcase with 10-year warranty

Antler Clifton | From £170

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Having used both the Clifton and Camber hard-shell suitcases on a recent week-long getaway, we found it hard to find fault with either of them. Both suitcases were extremely spacious and very rugged, and they barely had any scratches or colour marks on their gorgeous pastels after their trip. Both the Camber and Clifton collections have multiple storage pockets and a handy expanded zip for extra room, and they also come with a secure TSA lock, which is ideal for peace of mind when you’re travelling.

For peace of mind, all of Antler’s suitcases are put through rigorous tests (alongside our own, of course) and come with a ten-year international warranty. To us, this definitely helps justify the premium price tag.

4. The best budget suitcase

Tripp Chic Suitcase | From £50

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Suitcases can often cost up to £200, but if you want something sturdy for an affordable price, look no further than the Tripp Chic suitcase.

In terms of features, it’s got four wheels for easy manoeuvring, an integrated TSA lock and it’s expandable – which we always find handy on our travels. The polypropylene case is durable but also lightweight, so it won’t eat into that precious luggage weight limit. It comes in four colours (black, navy blue, sky blue and rose) and it’s available in three sizes (cabin, medium and large), all of which are absolute bargains.

Just be aware that the large isn’t especially roomy – its 102-litre capacity doesn’t really match up to other brands’ large suitcases.

5. The best lightweight suitcase

IT Luggage World’s Lightest | From £45

Check price at Argos

If you’re worried about your weight allowance – or just dislike humping heavy luggage around – this is the suitcase for you. You get a decent amount of room for all your belongings, and it has one of the most comfortable and practical handles thanks to its full-width cushioned design, so you won’t mind pulling it around for any length of time.

As you would expect, being a soft-shell, it isn’t quite as sturdy as weightier hard-shell cases, and you might wonder whether such a lightweight suitcase is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of travelling. However, you needn’t worry too much as it comes with a very reassuring 10-year warranty.

We tested the 4-wheel version, which came in a lovely blue, but it Luggage offers many more options, combining different sizes, different numbers of wheels and various colours and finishes – even a 3D unicorn pink shell for kids. Given all these potential combinations, it’s a shame Argos doesn’t let you filter the options from the same page, but you can click the Find Similar widget next to the product photo, as a shortcut.

6. The best rugged suitcase

Osprey Rolling Transporter | From £220

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Designed as essentially a duffel bag on wheels, Osprey’s Rolling Transporter is one of the most versatile travel bags you can buy and ideal for those who don’t have room to stash a full-sized suitcase when they’re not travelling.

Available in 40, 60, 90 and 120-litre sizes, the Rolling Transporter is all about maximising the amount you can carry. You can still access all your stuff quickly and easily thanks to the large flap that unzips around the top of the whole single-compartment bag, and, with stash pockets at the top and under the flap, it’s surprisingly flexible.

It’s also constructed out of a tough, water-resistant fabric made from recycled materials, but the best bit about the Rolling Transporter is how easy the extending handle and wheels make it to get your stuff from A to B. The rigid base means it will stand up without falling over, and the wide grab handles on the sides and top will give you plenty of purchase when getting it off the luggage belt, as well as in and out of taxis. Overall, it’s a five-star, lightweight bag for any kind of traveller.

7. The best travel bag

The North Face Base Camp Duffel | From £130

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For anyone who prefers to tote their load, rather than wheel it, this stylish duffel is the answer. It can be carried via two padded side handles, it can also be used as a backpack, thanks to detachable, ergonomic shoulder straps.

The Base Camp Duffel is ideal for adventurous types – those who are likely to be exploring far-flung places on foot. It’s made from recycled materials but is still water-resistant, tough and hardy – as you’d want in a case that will be going long haul. We particularly noted the durability of the double stitching.

We loved how it opens: the main flap folds right back so you can pack clothes flat, as you would in a traditional suitcase. The bag isn’t huge, but it’s comparable to most medium-sized suitcases and will easily hold a week’s worth of clothes, no problem.

8. The best suitcase for kids

Trunki Children’s Ride-On Suitcase | From £37

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Navigating airports and train stations with tots in tow can be a stressful experience. However, this ride-on suitcase from child-friendly brand Trunki offers kids plenty of entertainment and can be pulled along on its wheels by parents – perfect for traversing the bigger terminals not designed with little legs in mind. The bags are compact enough to fit in most cabins – though always check your airline’s policy – and boast four wheels and one surprisingly roomy internal compartment.

Given that it doubles as a vehicular toy, the Trunki Ride-On is surprisingly light, weighing in at just 1.6kg, and we like that it features a detachable shoulder strap so it can be slung across your back if required.

The wide range of designs to choose from can give your little ones a chance to express their own budding identities: Frank the Fire Truck makes a good pick for plucky youngsters, and Dudley the Dinosaur is a great shout – what kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? – while the classic Terrence is a distinctive bold blue, and you’ll never lose sight of your child riding on Trixie’s bright pink chassis.

9. The best suitcase to last a lifetime

Antler Icon Stripe | From £175

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At £245 for a large size, the new suitcase from British brand Antler isn’t a budget choice. But it looks, packs and manoeuvres so beautifully that we can’t help but recommend it – and when we tested the cabin-sized version, it felt so durable that our test fully expects to be travelling with it for decades.

The Icon Stripe has all the best features of Antler’s existing suitcase line-up, including four wheels and secure TSA locks that are easy to use. Our tester was instantly impressed by the way its wheels glide in silence – a blessed relief after the squeaky wobble of their old suitcase. The telescopic handle is a world apart from cheap alternatives, with a smooth action and a robust feel that happily takes the weight of even a fully-packed large case.

We tried the Icon Stripe in Heather Purple, but it’s available in five classy and expensive-looking colours, including Indigo Blue and Antler Green. Whatever colour you choose, the semi-sheen shell is water-resistant and partly made from recycled materials. If our rave review isn’t enough to convince you that this case will last you many years and miles, Antler gives you a 28-day trial period and a lifetime warranty.

10. The best durable suitcase

July Checked | £275

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Australian luggage brand July has landed in the UK to disrupt a market long dominated by the likes of Samsonite and Antler. Its large “Checked” suitcase, so named because you’ll have to check it into the hold of a plane, is as handsome, functional and expensive as its rivals, but July aims to steam past them on durability.

The Checked case is full of innovative details designed to make it “unbreakable”. Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate hard-shell casing, curved corners and anodised aluminium bumpers provide extra protection against knocks and drops. Inside, zipped internal pockets and a compression strap keep your stuff in place, and outside there’s a TSA-compatible combination lock for peace of mind.

We tested the July Checked in a beautiful dark navy and was impressed by its lightweight sturdiness. The wheels move like a dream, and the telescopic handle is fully adjustable to suit your height. The exterior did attract scuffs, much like the similar Antler Icon Stripe, but these were not permanent and didn’t affect the case’s overall great looks.

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How to choose the best suitcase for you

What size suitcase do I need?

Try to buy a suitcase which is just a little bigger than you need, so you have room for any souvenirs or purchases. Don’t be tempted to buy the biggest you can afford, though, as it can make travelling with it a little more awkward.

• If you want to cut down on luggage charges, then double-check the carry-on size restrictions for your preferred airline.

Which is better: Hard- or soft-shelled?

For most people, we would recommend a hard-shell suitcase. They’re the most durable choice, so should last longer. They offer more protection for your belongings than their soft-shell rivals. If minimal weight is crucial, then modern soft-sided cases remain a good option.

• Hard-shell cases are heavier – but the best modern designs don’t eat up as much of your baggage weight allowance.

Two- or four-wheel suitcase: Which is best?

Four-wheeled suitcases are the easiest type to manoeuvre, but two-wheeled suitcases can be cheaper and tend to be a little lighter and less bulky.

• Four-wheelers stand up more reliably – they are easier to manoeuvre in tight aisles and other tricky spaces.
• Two-wheeled suitcases can be hard to manoeuvre when they’re heavily loaded.

Is a suitcase better than a rucksack?

For most travellers, we would say that a suitcase is the best all-round option for travel, especially with heavier loads. Rucksacks are great for more active travel, but you’ll need to be fit and strong to carry 20kg+ in a backpack, whereas anyone can push a four-wheeled suitcase.

• A wheeled suitcase is far easier to move around than a rucksack.
• Suitcases make it easier to access and organise your belongings
• A rucksack makes more sense if you’re travelling long-term or venturing off-road – If that’s what you need, check out our roundup of the best backpacks.

Does the interior of the suitcase matter?

Interiors can vary greatly from one case to another, so it’s essential to check that your new suitcase has the storage you need.

• Some come with lots of inside pockets, while others can be separated into two or three sections.
• If you want to maximise space but still stay organised, consider a set of packing cubes (such as these affordable ones from Amazon).

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Hand luggage allowances

Reminder: It is strongly advised to check your airline for the most up-to-date baggage allowance and guidelines before flying.

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