July

Samsonite, Travelpro, Away, and Briggs & Riley consistently rank among the top luggage brands based on expert testing (Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter/NYT, Travel + Leisure, Outdoor Gear Lab), sales data, and real-user feedback from frequent travelers, flight crews, and forums like Reddit.

No single brand is perfect for everyone—choices depend on budget, hard- vs. soft-sided preference, travel frequency, and style. Hard-sided (polycarbonate or polypropylene) offer better weather/impact protection and a sleek look; soft-sided (nylon/ballistic) are often lighter, more flexible/expandable, and easier to stuff into overhead bins. Look for smooth spinner wheels, sturdy telescoping handles, good warranties, and TSA locks.

Top Brands People Actually Use

Here are the standouts, with why they’re popular and recommended products:

1. Samsonite (Best Overall / Most Versatile)
   A long-standing leader with a huge range of hard- and soft-sided options at accessible prices. It excels in durability, maneuverability, packing space, and value in lab and real-world tests. Widely available and frequently tops “best of” lists from Good Housekeeping and Travel + Leisure. Popular with everyday and family travelers.

   • Standout products: Freeform Hardside (carry-on or larger expandable spinners—durable polypropylene, smooth wheels, great capacity and often on sale); Outline or Winfield lines; lighter C-lite collection.
   • Price range: Often $100–$300+ per piece (frequently discounted).
   • Pros: Reliable quality across price points, variety of styles/colors/sizes. Cons: Handles can vary by model; not the absolute most premium.
   • Sister brand American Tourister is a solid budget/value option with fun prints, lighter bags for casual/vacation use.

2. Travelpro (Best for Frequent Flyers / Soft-Sided Favorite)
   Extremely popular with airline crews and road warriors for its toughness, smooth/self-aligning wheels (e.g., MagnaTrac), organizational features, and value. Wirecutter’s long-time top pick for both carry-on and checked bags; high scores in Outdoor Gear Lab testing.

   • Standout products: Platinum Elite line (softside carry-on or medium/large check-in spinners—expandable, garment compartments, excellent durability and packing); Maxlite series (lighter/more affordable option that still holds up well and sells strongly).
   • Price range: Maxlite ~$100–200; Platinum Elite ~$200–500.
   • Pros: Built for abuse, great warranties, practical features. Cons: Softsides show wear more visibly than hardsides; some models are bulkier.
   • Highly recommended on Reddit and travel forums for reliability over years of heavy use.

3. Away (Best Stylish Hard-Sided / Popular DTC Brand)
   A modern favorite for sleek polycarbonate hard shells, thoughtful features (compression systems, laundry bags, underside handles), and strong marketing. Holds up well in drop/scratch tests and real trips; very popular among younger travelers and on social media. Good Housekeeping and others praise the carry-ons especially.

   • Standout products: The Carry-On (or Bigger Carry-On/Flex expandable versions); The Large for checked bags. Available in many colors.
   • Price range: ~$200–400+ for main pieces.
   • Pros: Lightweight yet durable shells, stylish, 100-day trial + lifetime limited warranty (covers functional damage). Cons: Handles sometimes noted as less robust; not always the cheapest; hardsides lack external pockets.
   • Competitors in this stylish DTC space include Monos and July (colorful options with good reviews, though mixed durability feedback in some user discussions).

4. Briggs & Riley (Best Premium / Lifetime Warranty Champion)
   Top-tier for serious travelers. Known for exceptional durability, innovative CX compression/expansion systems (pack more then compress), and one of the best warranties (lifetime coverage that often includes airline mishandling). Frequently ranks #1 in reader polls (e.g., Condé Nast Traveler) and high in expert tests; preferred by many frequent flyers on forums.

   • Standout products: Baseline series (softside carry-ons and larger expandable spinners); Sympatico hardsides.
   • Price range: Higher—carry-ons often $400–700+, checked higher.
   • Pros: Built like tanks, spacious with smart packing, outstanding customer service/repairs. Cons: Expensive; some models heavier.
   • Ideal if you fly a lot and want a bag that lasts decades.

Other Strong Contenders

• Budget/Everyday: Amazon Basics (very popular bestseller for basic expandable hardsides under $100—decent for occasional use but less durable long-term); SwissGear (good value softsides).
• Luxury/Iconic: Rimowa (premium aluminum or polycarbonate—status symbol, excellent build, very expensive); Tumi (business-oriented, durable ballistic nylon or polycarbonate with high-end features).
• Others worth noting: Delsey (spacious French brand), Béis/Calpak (stylish with organization features, popular with some travelers).

Quick Buying Tips

• Carry-on vs. checked: Prioritize airline size limits (often ~22x14x9" for carry-ons including wheels/handles). Softsides can be more forgiving. For checked, prioritize durability and capacity.
• Key features: 360° spinner wheels, multi-stage sturdy handles, expansion, interior organization/compression, TSA locks, and warranty (lifetime is a big plus).
• Hard vs. soft: Hardsides protect contents better and resist weather; softsides flex, often weigh less empty, and have exterior pockets.
• Real-world popularity: Amazon bestsellers lean toward affordable options like Amazon Basics and Samsonite Freeform. Flight attendants favor Travelpro. Style-conscious users lean Away/Monos. Buy-it-for-life crowds often pick Briggs & Riley or high-end Travelpro.
• Where to buy/test: Check current prices/sales (luggage goes on sale often, especially holidays). Read recent reviews for specific models, as quality can vary within a brand. Consider weight empty to maximize packing under airline limits.
• Maintenance: Clean regularly; register warranties; use packing cubes for organization.

For most people, start with a Samsonite Freeform or Travelpro Platinum Elite/Maxlite carry-on—they offer excellent real-world performance without breaking the bank. Upgrade to Away for style or Briggs & Riley if you want a long-term investment. Match the bag to your travel style and frequency for the best results.

The top luggage brands in 2026 combine durability, functionality, and style, with popular choices including Monos, Level8, BÉIS, Calpak, Rimowa, Briggs & Riley, and Samsonite.

Top Luggage Brands and Their Highlights

1. Monos – Minimalist and Durable

Monos is known for sleek, minimalist hardshell suitcases with smooth polycarbonate shells and vegan leather accents. Carry-ons include compression pads, high-quality wheels, and multiple handle height settings. Monos is B Corp certified and offers a 100-day trial, making it popular among frequent travelers and business professionals The Atlas Heart+1.

2. Level8 – Maneuverability and Organization

Level8 provides hardshell suitcases built from German Makrolon polycarbonate. Their wide-edge handles offer excellent stability when stacking personal items, and internal organizing compartments and packing cubes keep luggage orderly. They are lightweight, durable, and highly rated for smooth rolling and quiet wheels Top Consumer Reviews+1.

3. BÉIS – Expandable and Spacious

BÉIS is great for overpackers. Their suitcases are roomy, expandable, and come with quality features such as shoe bags, laundry bags, and weight indicators. They offer a modern, affordable aesthetic without compromising on durability The Atlas Heart.

4. Calpak – Fun and Organized

Calpak stands out for those seeking personality in luggage. Their hardshell, duffels, totes, and backpacks come in vibrant colors and prints. Excellent internal organization with multiple pockets and compartments makes them ideal for travelers who value accessibility and style The Atlas Heart.

5. Rimowa – Luxury and Longevity

Rimowa is a premium German brand known for aluminum and polycarbonate grooved designs. With a lifetime guarantee, smooth rolling wheels, and a globally recognized reputation, Rimowa is ideal if you want a suitcase that lasts decades and offers a high-end experience The Atlas Heart+1.

6. Briggs & Riley – Lifetime Coverage and Soft-Sided Durability

Briggs & Riley specializes in soft-sided luggage with ballistic nylon and compression-expansion systems. Their standout feature is the “Simple As That” lifetime guarantee, which covers damage from airlines and normal wear, making it a favorite for business travelers The Atlas Heart.

7. Samsonite – Reliable and Widely Available

Samsonite has been a trusted luggage brand for over a century. Known for reliable construction, lightweight designs, and affordability, it’s ideal for those looking for a practical, functional suitcase. Popular options include the Freeform Carry-On Spinner, which is expandable and smooth-rolling The Atlas Heart+1.

Other Notable Mentions

Carl Friedrik – Stylish leather-trimmed polycarbonate hardshells with lifetime warranty. July – Australian brand with luggage-tracking TSA locks and long-term durability. Antler – British classic luggage with rich color options and double-spinner wheels. Travelpro – Favored by flight crews; offers ultra-lightweight and durable soft-sided bags. Paravel – Sustainable luggage using recycled materials for environmentally conscious travelers.

Considerations When Choosing Luggage

Purpose: Carry-on, checked, or business trips. Durability: Polycarbonate, aluminum, ballistic nylon. Wheels: 360-degree spinners for maneuverability. Warranty and replacement policy: Essential for long-term travel. Style and personalization: Colors, patterns, and monogramming can help identify luggage at carousels.

In summary, Monos and Level8 are top picks for minimalist and maneuverable luggage; BÉIS, Calpak, and Samsonite provide affordability and practical features; and Rimowa and Briggs & Riley are excellent for luxury, longevity, and heavy-duty usage. Selecting the brand should match your travel style, frequency, and budget Forbes+2.