Best Luggage 2026 — Top 5 Suitcases Tested & Ranked
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. How we test →
Last updated: May 9, 2026 • 8 models tested
- Samsonite Freeform Carry-On — Best overall (4.8/5)
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 — Best lightweight (4.6/5)
- Briggs & Riley Essential — Best premium (4.6/5)
Good luggage survives years of airline handling, rolls smoothly across airports and organises your packing efficiently. We tested 8 suitcases across carry-on and checked sizes — these five lead the market in 2026.
Quick Overview
| Model | Best for | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Freeform Carry-On | Best overall Best Pick | ★★★★☆ 4.8 |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 | Best lightweight Runner-up | ★★★★½ 4.6 |
| Briggs & Riley Essential | Best premium | ★★★★½ 4.6 |
| American Tourister 4 KIX | Best budget Best Budget | ★★★★½ 4.3 |
| Delsey Paris Cadence | Best for style | ★★★★½ 4.4 |
1. Samsonite Freeform Carry-On — Best Overall
The Samsonite Freeform is the best carry-on suitcase for most travellers in 2026. The micro-diamond textured polypropylene shell is exceptionally scratch-resistant and flexible — it absorbs impact without cracking. Four multi-directional spinner wheels glide with minimal effort. The dual-spinner design and TSA-approved lock make it a no-compromise airport companion. Samsonite's 10-year warranty rounds it out.
- Scratch-resistant polypropylene shell
- Smooth 4-wheel multi-directional spinners
- TSA-approved combination lock
- 10-year Samsonite warranty
- No built-in USB charger
- Limited colour options vs. some competitors
2. Travelpro Maxlite 5 — Best Lightweight
Travelpro is the brand used by airline crew — the Maxlite 5 is the lightest bag in their lineup at under 2.3kg for the carry-on. High-tensile fabric exterior with water-repellent coating, Rollaboard spinner system for smooth rolling, and compression straps to keep clothes wrinkle-free. Excellent packing organisation with multiple interior pockets. Backed by Travelpro's full lifetime guarantee.
- Ultralight softside — under 2.3kg
- Water-repellent coated fabric
- Rollaboard spinner system
- Travelpro lifetime guarantee
- Softside less protective than hardshell
- No front pockets on carry-on size
3. Briggs & Riley Essential — Best Premium
Briggs & Riley offers the strongest warranty in luggage — they fix or replace your bag for life, for any reason, including airline damage. The Essential carry-on features their patented CX compression-expansion system, adding 25% more packing space and returning to carry-on dimensions when compressed. The ballistic nylon exterior takes serious abuse. Trusted by frequent business travellers for decades.
- Best-in-class lifetime guarantee — covers airline damage
- CX system adds 25% packing capacity
- Ballistic nylon — extremely durable
- Outsider handle system — no lost space inside
- Expensive at $450+
- Heavy for a softside bag
4. American Tourister 4 KIX — Best Budget
The American Tourister 4 KIX is the best hardshell suitcase under $80. Polycarbonate shell, four spinner wheels, TSA-approved lock and an expandable main compartment. Multiple colour options and bold style. American Tourister is owned by Samsonite — the build quality reflects that heritage at a budget price point. Ideal for occasional travellers who want durability without the premium cost.
- Best value hardshell — under $80
- Polycarbonate shell with spinner wheels
- Expandable main compartment
- Wide colour range
- Wheels less smooth than premium options
- 1-year warranty only
5. Delsey Paris Cadence — Best for Style
The Delsey Paris Cadence combines elegant French styling with solid construction. Hardside polycarbonate shell, four double-spinner wheels with silent rolling, TSA-approved combination lock and an expandable main compartment. Available in a wide range of colours with a distinctive ribbed exterior design. Great value for design-conscious travellers seeking something beyond the standard black polycarbonate look.
- Distinctive ribbed French design
- Double-spinner wheels — smooth and quiet
- Wide colour range
- TSA lock built in
- Slightly heavier than comparable hardshells
- Less durable than ballistic nylon options
What to Look for in Luggage
Hard shell vs soft shell
Hard shell (polycarbonate/polypropylene) is more durable, lighter and easier to wipe clean. Soft shell has more external pockets and can compress. For most travellers, hard shell is the better choice in 2026.
Spinner vs 2-wheel
Four-wheel spinners manoeuvre in any direction — ideal for airports and smooth surfaces. Two-wheel cases are more stable on rough ground and tend to be more durable. For frequent airport travellers, spinners win every time.
Weight
Every gram the suitcase weighs is a gram less you can pack within your airline allowance. Check the empty weight — differences of 1kg+ are common between budget and premium options of the same size.
Size and carry-on rules
Carry-on dimensions vary by airline — check before buying. Generally: 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23cm) is safe for most US carriers. Expandable bags may exceed limits when expanded — use the non-expanded dimensions to calculate compliance.
Our Verdict
The Samsonite Freeform is the best all-round carry-on in 2026 — scratch-resistant shell, smooth spinners and a 10-year warranty. Frequent travellers who prioritise weight should look at the Travelpro Maxlite 5. For a lifetime investment, nothing beats the Briggs & Riley warranty. Budget-conscious travellers get solid hardshell quality from the American Tourister 4 KIX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hard or soft luggage — which should I buy?
Hard shell (Samsonite Freeform, Briggs & Riley Essential): better protection for fragile items, waterproof, easier to clean. Soft (Travelpro Maxlite 5): lighter (2-3kg vs 3-4kg for hardside), more flexible packing, external pockets for quick access. For one-bag carry-on minimalists: soft. For checked luggage with electronics and cosmetics: hard. Both work fine — choose based on packing style.
How long should luggage last?
Quality brands (Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, Travelpro): 10-20 years of frequent travel use. Briggs & Riley has lifetime warranty that even covers airline damage — luggage they'll repair forever. Wheels typically wear first (replaceable on premium brands), then zippers. Cheap luggage (£50-100) often fails within 2-3 trips. Spending £200-400 on luggage you'll use for 15 years is £15-25/year.
What size carry-on is allowed?
Most airlines: 55cm x 40cm x 23cm maximum. Budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) more restrictive at 40cm x 20cm x 25cm for free, paid for full-size. Always check your specific airline. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On (55cm) fits standard rules; for budget airlines, look at the 40cm options. International first/business class allows larger carry-on; economy is strict.
4-wheel spinner or 2-wheel rolling luggage?
4-wheel spinner: rolls smoothly on flat airport floors, easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, less arm strain. 2-wheel: better on uneven surfaces (cobblestones, ramps), more durable wheels under heavy weight. For airport-heavy travel: spinner. For travel involving train stations, cobblestone streets, or budget destinations: 2-wheel.