The Best Lightweight Luggage Of 2025, Carried By Our Travel-Savvy Editors

Weight: 5.4 pounds | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Capacity: 46 liters | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Ensign Blue

Best for:

• Those who need extra packing space
• Fans of softside luggage
• Those looking for a resonably priced suitcase

Skip if:

• You want something sleek and stylish

Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 suitcase scored the highest marks from our testers thanks to its lightweight material, durability and smooth-rolling wheels that make it easy to maneuver. At 5.4 pounds, it’s the second lightest suitcase on this list, and it’s built with a heavy-duty polyester exterior, comfortable and ergonomic PowerScope handle and two exterior compartments for organization. “Aside from being super lightweight, the best part about this bag is its smooth rolling capabilities,” says our tester, who traveled with this suitcase on a trip to Madrid. “I have had a tried and true favorite suitcase for many years, and when I used this model, I was shocked by the difference. I am also on the taller side, and appreciated that the handle came up to a comfortable height when fully extended.” As one of the most trusted luggage brands out there, this Travelpro suitcase is also a relatively affordable pick. 

Weight: 7.7 pounds | Material: ABS plastic | Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.5 x 20.9 inches | Capacity: 40 liters | Colors: 5 total, including Rose Gold and Navy Blue

Best for:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Overpackers

Skip if:

• You want something more stylish
• You’re looking for an investment piece

For travelers on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics 21-inch Expandable Spinner is a lightweight option that’s durable enough to be tossed around one or two times a year. It clocks in at under $100 and is made from extra-thick ABS plastic that holds up well and protects belongings while in transit. “This suitcase held up beautifully after several cross-country flights,” says our tester. “I love that it’s light enough for my 6-year-old to handle, and the telescoping handle offers positions that work for both her height and mine. It’s a big win when your kids can roll their own suitcases.” It’s also expandable, making it great for overpackers.

Weight: 6.6 pounds | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 21 x 13.8 x 9 inches | Capacity: 31 liters | Colors: 5 total, including Chocolate and Oatmeal

Best for:

• Accessing your essentials on the go
• Staying organized

Skip if:

• You prefer a structured bag with more protection

The Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On scored high marks in our testing for its unique puffy material and interior organization that makes packing a breeze. “I kept discovering new pockets and storage spaces as I used it," says our tester. "I was worried it was a touch too small at first since I tend to overpack, but the front zippered cover fits a good amount of additional stuff.” While its material is not as heavy-duty as our top overall pick, the Travelpro Maxlite 5, this suitcase’s many pockets provide excellent organization, including a dedicated laptop sleeve for devices up to 17 inches in length. At under 7 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest options on our list.

Weight: 7.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Capacity: 39.8 liters | Colors: 10 total, including Olive Green and Cloud Gray

Best for:

• Those who tend to overpack
• Bright color options

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a low cost option 

If you’re a chronic overpacker, you’ll appreciate this lightweight option from Away, which has a wraparound expandable zipper so you can squeeze in a few extra garments or souvenirs on your next trip. “This quickly became my favorite suitcase to travel with,” one of our testers says. “It’s very lightweight; I threw it into the back of cabs, tugged it over curbs and tossed it on the luggage rack in the hotel room with ease.” It includes the same features as the Away The Carry On, so expect an interior compression system, 360-degree spinner wheels and a durable polycarbonate shell. 

Weight: 8.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 26 x 18.8 x 11 inches | Capacity: 80 liters | Colors: 10 total, including Sand and Shadow Lavender

Best for:

• Longer trips that require more clothing
• Those who want a suitcase in a cool, unique hue

Skip if:

• You plan to travel for longer than two weeks

Consider the July Checked suitcase for long-haul trips requiring a larger, but still lightweight, bag. This suitcase weighs a little over 8 pounds, meaning it won’t be too difficult to haul off the carousel, and its interiors offer an ideal amount of space for a two-week trip. It’s crafted from the same German polycarbonate shell as the rest of the brand’s suitcases, which protects your belongings in transit. “This bag came home from our trip—which included planes, cars and trains—with just a couple of scratches on the corners,” says our tester. “Despite being lightweight, it was definitely durable. I was pleasantly surprised at how little it was scuffed through our travels.”

Weight: 4.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Capacity: 37 liters | Colors: 3 total, including Ivory Beige and Jade Green

Best for:

• Those who want a lightweight suitcase that is also stylish and durable
• Travelers looking for an investment piece

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a low-cost option

Weighing a mere 4.9 pounds, this elegant Rimowa suitcase is over two pounds lighter than nearly any other hardside luggage we evaluated, and it glides effortlessly over any surface thanks to its celebrated ball-bearing mounted wheels. “I’ve never had a carry-on suitcase that’s so easy to lift into a tall overhead storage compartment,” says our tester. “While it’s definitely a splurge, it’s an excellent investment for a frequent traveler.” The suitcase is also made from a durable polycarbonate that will last you years, and Rimowa provides a generous lifetime warranty that will replace any damaged parts.