As an experienced globetrotter and senior travel editor, I’ve put a lot of suitcases through their paces. To find the best luggage of 2025, I assembled a panel of Forbes Vetted’s most seasoned frequent flyers—including myself—to travel with 22 highly rated contenders and evaluate their performance. (Plus, we’ll continue to test these and other suitcases, then we’ll update this story throughout the year.) Our top carry-on pick is the Away Bigger Carry-On, which offers impressive packing space in a durable polycarbonate shell. If you’re looking for a bigger suitcase, our favorite checked option is the July Checked Luggage, with reinforced corners and a sturdy exterior that stands up to rough handling.
After conducting in-depth research, reviewing our panel testers’ feedback and weighing in with my own hands-on experience, I selected the best pieces of luggage for all your travels.
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Carry-On: Away The Bigger Carry-On
- Best Checked: July Checked Luggage
- Best Aluminum: Rimowa Original Cabin
- Best Large Checked: Calpak Ambeur Large
- Best Value: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On
- Best Hardside: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
- Best Softside: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On
- Best Lightweight: Travelpro Maxlite 5
- Best Stylish: Carl Friedrik Carry-On
“Selecting the right luggage really comes down to the type of trip you’re planning, how you typically travel, which features matter most to you, and how you want to express your personal style,” says Raquel Tirado, design director of luggage at Away. Each piece of luggage was evaluated based on its size, weight, warranty, quality of construction and thoughtful features. Our final list includes everything from compact carry-on luggage ideal for short getaways to larger checked bags made for longer excursions. I also included a range of hardside suitcases, softside options and duffel bags—all from established, top-rated luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro. Below, find the best luggage to carry (or check) in 2025.
Best Carry-On
Away: Sleek, Lightweight And Dependable
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 7.4 pounds | Capacity: 47.9L | Shell material: Polycarbonate | Colors: 9 total, including Coast Blue and Sea Green | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Durable polycarbonate shell that can withstand impact
- Thoughtful extras, like a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes
- Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)
Skip if:
- You like to stand out—this suitcase is popular among travelers
Away’s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted’s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand’s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away’s signature compression system—complete with adjustable straps—allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there’s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.
This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to a wide variety of destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also offers personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel. Those looking to help their suitcase stand out can also opt for a brighter color or a customized luggage tag.
Best Checked
Dimensions: 26 x 18.8 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Capacity: 80L | Shell material: Polycarbonate | Colors: 10 total, including Moss and Shadow Lavender | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Trips that are one or two weeks in length
- Those who are looking for a suitcase that comes in unique shades
- Travelers of all heights, thanks to the adjustable handle
Skip if:
- Your trips are usually less than a week
- You prefer having a front pocket
With a capacity of 80L, the July Checked Luggage offers enough storage space for trips up to 14 days in length—verified by our tester, who took this suitcase on one two-week trip, as well as on shorter jaunts to Mexico, Paris and Lisbon. The corners of its durable polycarbonate shell are reinforced with aluminum stoppers that absorb impact, so you can rest assured your belongings are safe as your suitcase makes its way from the plane to the luggage carousel. Our tester was also pleased with this suitcase’s smooth wheels, sturdy handle and overall hardiness. “It came back home from our two-week trip—which included planes, cars and trains—with just a couple scratches on the corners,” she says. “Maybe the dark Forest color hides more, but I was pleasantly surprised at how little it was scuffed through our travels.”
Like many of its hardside counterparts, the July Checked suitcase features an interior compression panel on one side and a zippered closure on the other. (A minor detail that our tester appreciated was that the big mesh pocket on its divider is split into two pockets.) The brand’s thoughtful color selection deserves a nod, as well: There are currently 10 shades available, including Shadow Lavender and Blush Pink.
Best Aluminum
Rimowa: Sophisticated Pick That Stands Out
Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Capacity: 34L | Shell material: Aluminum | Colors: 4 total, including Silver and Titanium | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Durable aluminum suitcase that is also stylish
- Smooth wheels that won’t snag on carpets
- Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)
Skip if:
- You’re on a budget—Rimowa luggage is pricey
- You’re not careful since aluminum is prone to denting
German luggage brand Rimowa is a calling card in the world of luxury luggage. Durable and lightweight, its bags are known globally for their craftsmanship and innovation, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a high-end anodized aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning this is a suitcase you’ll keep for life. Keep in mind that the shell is closed with two TSA-approved combination locks rather than a zipper; for more details, read our full review of the Original Cabin.
I traveled with the Rimowa Original Cabin on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon and found it to have some of the smoothest wheels I’ve tested. I’ve been on many trips where I come home with a sore wrist after struggling to lug my suitcase over carpets and cobblestones, but this suitcase rolled like silk across every surface it encountered. It also has an impressive compression system that allows enough space for at least a week’s worth of clothing and uses heavy-duty Velcro straps instead of the usual buckles; I was able to fit so much more into this suitcase than many of my other carry-on bags.
Those looking for something lighter (and easier on the wallet) should check out the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and T-bar telescopic handle and claimed the top spot on our list of the Best Lightweight Luggage.
Best Large Checked
Calpak: Ample Packing Space For Lengthier Trips
Dimensions: 30.25 x 19 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 10.3 pounds | Capacity: 100L | Shell material: Polycarbonate | Colors: 3 total, including Gunmetal and Walnut | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Best for:
- Ample packing space and comfortable, grippy handles
- Traveling with liquids (such as larger sizes of skincare) or items that require checking
- Lengthier trips (more than 7 days)
Skip if:
- You need exterior pockets on your suitcase
Editor’s note: We tested Calpak’s Ambeur Medium, which is out of stock at the time of publishing. In its place, we’re featuring the Ambeur Large, which has the same features, just in a bigger size.
Clocking in at under $350, the Calpak Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase for its size, especially considering its high-quality features: It expands up to two inches for extra packing room and has easy-to-maneuver dual spinner wheels. One of our testers, who tried the brand’s trimmer Ambeur Medium, notes, “It’s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need.”
There are also four zippered interior compartments (although no exterior pockets), plus a cross compression strap to make sure belongings remain in place, even when transported over bumpy cobblestone streets. Of the suitcases on this list, the Ambeur features some of the most comfortable grip handles made with a rubber lining that won’t hurt your hands as you’re lugging heavy baggage around town.
Our tester does note, however, that darker color versions of this suitcase can be prone to scuffing. “After about a dozen or so trips with it, there are very obvious white scratches in the black exterior,” she says. “It's not enough to make me stop using it—the roominess of the suitcase trumps the cosmetic issue—but I would recommend getting one of the lighter colors so scuffs are not as obvious.”
You May Also Like
Nobl: Sturdy, Modern And Efficient
Dimensions: 20.5 x 15.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Capacity: 35L | Colors: 11 total, including Lavender and Forest Green | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Crafted from a polycarbonate shell and aluminum frame, this durable and stylish carry-on offers packing room for trips of up to seven days. A zipper-less front laptop pocket and passport sleeve ensure you can easily access your essentials on the go while a handle-mounted phone holder, built-in USB/USB-C ports and a retractable cup holder make waiting at the gate more convenient and comfortable. Heavy-duty straps expand interior packing space, and dual TSA-compliant locks secure your belongings if you do end up checking your luggage. Take $125 off when you purchase two suitcases with code FORBES.
Best Value
Samsonite: Reliable, Smooth-Rolling And Affordable
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On
Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Capacity: 34L | Shell material: Polypropylene | Colors: 6 total, including Amethyst Purple and Navy | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty
Best for:
- Lightweight build and easy maneuverability
- Modern design in fun colors
- Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)
Skip if:
- You travel a lot; the polypropylene shell isn’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate
Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On offers an incredible value for its size and impressive storage capacity. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch for when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.
“I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says a member of our testing panel. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”
One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase’s polypropylene shell allows it to be lightweight and easy to lift, it’s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need to check a bag on your trip, it also comes in medium and large sizes.
Best Hardside
Monos: Versatile Design With A Roomy Laptop Pocket
Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Capacity: 46L | Shell material: Polycarbonate | Colors: 12 total, including Olive Green and Desert Taupe | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Hefty feel and durable polycarbonate shell
- Exterior pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop
- Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)
Skip if:
- You need ample packing space for extended trips
Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus was named the best hardside option on this list. “I was impressed with its durability, size and thoughtful design details,” one of our testers says. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. “The easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security,” our she mentions.
The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 stylish shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.
Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.
The 2025 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Best Softside
Briggs & Riley: Sturdy With Built-In Compression
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Capacity: 37 to 48L | Shell material: Ballistic nylon | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Plum | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Durable yet flexible exterior made with ballistic nylon
- A generous warranty that covers any damage
- Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)
Skip if:
- You’re on a budget—this is one of the pricier suitcases out there
Another of Forbes Vetted’s top luggage selections, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It’s made of a ballistic nylon fabric that resists wear and tear and comes available in four rich shades that maintain their style over time.
After traveling with it on a plane, train and bus, “the spinner rolled like butter,” says a member of our testing panel. “It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either.”
This pick is definitely an investment, but its compressive technology, built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels warrant the luxury price tag. Plus, Briggs & Riley’s lifetime warranty is one of the best on the market, covering repairs for any sort of damage, free of charge for as long as you own the bag.
The 2025 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Best Lightweight
Travelpro: Stain-Resistant and Expandable
Travelpro Maxlite 5
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Capacity: 46L | Shell material: DuraGuard-coated polyester | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Orchid Pink | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase
Best for:
- A lightweight yet durable exterior
- Smooth-rolling wheels
- Comfortable, telescoping handle with multiple heights
Skip if:
- You want a lot of interior pockets and zippers for organization
At just over five pounds, Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 scored high marks as the best lightweight option that we tested. Its polyester exterior is flexible (read: great for overpackers) but it still maintains a classic, structured shape. Like the Platinum Elite, it comes coated with a water- and stain-resistant DuraGuard material; it’s also one of the more affordable options on our list. For travelers who want a bag that’s especially easy to lift, the Maxlite 5 has two secondary handles on top and the right side.
Its wheels were among the smoothest we tested, and its ergonomic handle is incredibly comfortable. “I was amazed at how lightweight and easy it was to maneuver,” says one of our testers, who took this bag on a recent trip to Madrid. “The rolling was superior—smooth on any surface. The four wheels allowed for seamless turns, spins and pulls.” This is a suitcase that’s made to be pushed around—light as a feather but durable enough for impact. If you need to check a bag, it also comes in medium and large sizes.
Best Stylish
Carl Friedrik: Aesthetically Pleasing And Sophisticated
Dimensions: 22 x 14.3 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Capacity: 40L | Shell material: Makrolon polycarbonate | Colors: 4 total, including Navy/Hackett and Grey/Cognac | Warranty: Lifetime warranty on functional damages
Best for:
- Business trips
- Standing out in a crowd
- Trips up to five days in length
Skip if:
- You prefer an expandable suitcase
In terms of distinct style, Carl Friedrik is my choice for the most stylish luggage brand on the market right now. The brand's suitcases first rose in popularity from appearances on HBO's Succession, but this luggage is for more than just the business-inclined (although it would look great being rolled into any boardroom). With its ribbed exterior and leather detailing, the Carry-On provides a sleek and modern feel that will turn heads in any airport. My favorite color combo is the Grey/Cognac, which I've taken on trips to Mexico City and Rome.
Another great thing about the Carl Friedrik Carry-On is its spacious front pockets (which are hard to find in hardside luggage) as well as the brand’s incredible, easy-to-use lock system. The suitcase is also available in a zip version for those who prefer zippers over locks. Just keep in mind that neither version is expandable, so they’re not ideal for overpackers.
Best For International Travel
Sleek And Slim With A Hidden Pocket
Dimensions: 21.7 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Capacity: 41L | Shell material: Makrolon polycarbonate | Colors: 4 total, including Fog White and Dark Olive | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Best for:
- Trips with multiple layovers
- Fitting into any overhead bin
- Road trips or train travel
Skip if:
- You want an expandable suitcase
- You plan on wheeling it over bumpy terrain
Having tried the brand’s larger Carry-On Max (I found it roomy and stylish), I wanted our team to test its Carry-On to see if it met our expectations. Spoiler alert: It did. The Carry-On embodies Aer’s reputation for modernity, both in style and functionality, with rugged zippers, a built-in TSA lock and a hidden interior pocket to discretely tuck your smart luggage tracker. “It’s a really nice looking piece of luggage, and it handles nicely,” says our tester, who toted this pick on an international trip from New Jersey to Germany. “The lock was a cinch to program and the zippers held even when I crammed it full on my return.”
Its compact size is compatible with the requirements of nearly every international airline. In fact, the Aer Carry-On has the smallest dimensions of all the hardside suitcases on this list, if only by a sliver. If you want a hardside option—and you’re headed on an international trip where every fraction of an inch counts—this slim model is worth the consideration.
Best Duffel
Calpak: Lightweight With Soft, Comfortable Handles
Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 22L | Shell material: Polyester | Colors: 6 total, including Chocolate and Rose Quartz | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
Best for:
- Weather-resistant nylon exterior
- Ample pockets, including shoe compartment
- Shorter weekend trips
Skip if:
- You want a bag with wheels
When it comes to a travel-friendly duffel bag, Calpak’s popular Luka Duffel checks every box. It’s lightweight and made from weather-resistant polyester that protects your belongings in various climates. “I love this bag as both as a weekender or carry-on item,” says our tester, who has used it on multiple trips. It features nine pockets, including a spacious shoe compartment that makes it easy to stash in an extra pair of sneakers or boots when your suitcase is at capacity. “I am a big fan of the pockets, as they help keep everything so organized and easy to reach for through the hustle of airport travel,” she adds. And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” she says.
And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” says our tester.
Aside from being relatively affordable, this bag also comes in a variety of stylish colors, ranging from eye-popping Dragonfruit and Pistachio to classic Chocolate and Matte Black.
Our editors test a wide variety of top-rated luggage. While the options below didn’t make the final cut for the best luggage of the year, they each offer specific features that could make them a good fit for certain travel styles and preferences.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.
Forbes Vetted editors and staffers—including myself—tested 22 different suitcases (and counting) from established luggage brands. Each suitcase was taken on at least one domestic or international trip, which ranged from three to 10 days. We provided detailed feedback on the luggage they felt truly stood out and scored each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed down our final selections by focusing on the luggage that scored a 4.5 or higher.
We closely evaluated common variables in luggage, such as size, build quality and safety features. Our testers evaluated each suitcase’s number of pockets, zipper construction and lock placement. In addition, we took note of how well each suitcase’s handle felt in-hand and dragged each suitcase through different types of terrain to evaluate maneuverability. All of our picks are designed with TSA-approved locks so you can travel with peace of mind.
To gauge capacity and construction, our editors packed each suitcase to the brim, tugged on every zipper and weighed every suitcase to determine how heavy or light it is. We determined how many days’ worth of luggage would fit into each suitcase, based on the length of our own personal travels, which ranged from weekend trips to two-week vacations.
After each trip, our testers examined their suitcases, making note of any scuffs, stains or rips. If any markings were acquired on the luggage, we evaluated how easy each piece was to clean. We also tested the durability of the luggage’s hardware, noticing how the zippers and handles held up when the suitcase was fully stuffed.
The overall look of the suitcase was also taken to account by each tester. Our team provided observations on how each piece of luggage presents in person, and specified whether or not the luggage feels stylish. Color selection was also taken into account; our testers made note of suitcases that come in particularly appealing hues.
Should you choose a softside or hardside suitcase? Do you need lots of room, or tend to pack light? Here are some things to consider when choosing the best luggage for your travels.
The size of the luggage you buy varies with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase needs to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.
It’s worth looking into the benefits and drawbacks of each suitcase’s material. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common options:
Any suitcase you choose should be able to be tossed around the baggage carousel and slid into the overhead bin without falling apart. Zippers should feel heavy-duty and sturdy, according to Tirado. In addition, she says to “look for smooth-gliding, 360-degree spinner wheels; they should roll silently and effortlessly even on uneven surfaces.” Our testers were impressed by the durability of the ballistic nylon on the exterior of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On and the smooth rolling wheels of the Rimowa Original Cabin.
Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. “TSA-approved locks are a baseline as they keep your belongings secure while still allowing airport security access if needed,” says Tirado. Shin agrees that this feature is essential. (All of the suitcases on our list are designed with a built-in TSA-approved lock.) Remote workers may find an external zippered front pocket to be useful, providing easy access to a laptop or charging cables while waiting in the airport. “Expandable zippers are incredibly useful, especially for return trips when you’re inevitably bringing more back,” Tirado adds.
If you’re traveling on an airline that has weight restrictions for carry-on or checked bags, you’ll want to factor in the weight of your suitcase before you commit to it. Keep in mind that certain hardside materials, like aluminum, tend to be heavier than others. If you already know you’re going to be stuffing your suitcase with heavy items like shoes or hair tools, you may want to opt for a lightweight softside bag, like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, which is just over five pounds.
If you’re concerned about your suitcase showing signs of wear and tear, you can’t go wrong with a black suitcase—the dark hue helps hide scuffs and dirt markings. However, if visibility is your main priority, Tirado suggests buying luggage in a bright, noticeable shade so you can quickly identify your bag in a crowd. “While neutral tones are timeless and versatile, opting for a distinct color or finish can make your suitcase easier to spot at baggage claim and more reflective of your style,” she says.
To make sure you’re able to enjoy your suitcase for years to come, several companies offer warranties on their products. “A brand that stands behind its products can make all the difference in ensuring your luggage lasts trip after trip,” says Tirado. While each policy is different, these warranties generally cover the cost of repairs should your suitcase become damaged within the designated window. Depending on the brand, warranties may last two to five years; some, like Briggs & Riley’s, will cover your suitcase for a lifetime. A suitcase with a lifetime guarantee may cost more up front, but you can be confident that you won’t have to replace it every couple of years.
If you’re stuck between choosing a hardside suitcase and a softside one, consider what you’re packing and which features you prioritize most. Below, we break down the features, pros and cons of each.
In general, hardside luggage is the better choice if you’re traveling with delicate items. “Durable polycarbonate shells, known for being both lightweight and impact-resistant, are perfect for handling the wear and tear of travel while keeping your belongings protected,” says Shin.
Pros:
Cons:
However, if you’re looking to pack your suitcase to the brim with non-breakable items, softside luggage is more forgiving due to its flexible fabric exterior. Softside suitcases also have the added benefit of an external pocket, a feature typically not seen on hardside suitcases (the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is an exception). Aesthetically, softside suitcases read more traditional and functional compared to the sleek, modern silhouette of hardside suitcases.
Pros:
Cons:
Still not sure which to choose? See our detailed breakdown of hardside versus softside luggage.