The Best Checked Luggage, Tested And Reviewed By Our Staff Editors

Dimensions: 26 × 18.5 × 11 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 68.8 liters

Best for:

• Smooth-gliding wheels
• A sturdy exterior shell
• A compression pad that can pack 10-12 outfits

Skip if:

• You’d prefer an expandable bag for extra storage

Between its sturdy polycarbonate outer shell and smooth 360-degree wheels, the Away The Medium pulls out all the stops in terms of quality. It earned the highest marks during our testing thanks to its firm, underside handle that our testers found easy to grip, as well as its easily maneuverable zippers that didn’t snag after some seriously firm pulling. It also received praise for its manageable size; at 26 inches high, it’s a great fit for travelers of all heights.

“I traveled through four different airports with this suitcase, stuffing more items into it at each stop, and it held up spectacularly well,” says one of our testers. “The compression system allowed me to squeeze everything into it with plenty of space to spare.” This suitcase also fits neatly into its next size up, The Large, which comes with extra packing space (99.2 liters) for those longer haul trips.

Dimensions: 26.5 × 18.5 × 10.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Material: Partially recycled polycarbonate | Capacity: 60 liters

Best for:

• A dent-resistant polycarbonate shell
• Stylish, vegan leather details
• Protective anti-microbial lining

Skip if:

• You’re looking for an option with exterior pockets

As far as hardside suitcases go, Monos’ Check-In Medium offers a variety of unique features to keep your belongings extra safe. Earning the second-highest marks for a hardside suitcase after our top pick, the Away The Medium, our testers appreciated this bag’s ergonomic wheels and comfortable handle. It’s one of the lightest suitcases on our list, and it features dual compression straps plus a divider to keep things organized. 

Our testers specifically called out the Monos Check-In Medium’s extra add-ons: “I loved the silver ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags and vegan leather luggage tag,” says one. Another appreciated its stylish look, sharing, “I get compliments on this suitcase every time I go to the airport.” For medium-length trips where you’d rather skip the hassle of checking a bag, opt for the Carry-On Pro instead.

Dimensions: 26 × 18.8 × 11 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 80 liters

Best for:

• Spill-proof interiors
• Chronic over-packers
• A uniquely durable exterior

Skip if:

• You need extra interior pocket space

At just over 8 pounds, the July Checked is the lightest checked bag on our list, but with a capacity of 80 liters, it’s also incredibly spacious. Our testers were impressed by its many bells and whistles, like an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell and odor-proof laundry bag. Other stand-out features include its anodized aluminum bumpers for more durability, and its water-resistant and stain-proof interiors that can withstand any accidental spills.

The suitcase’s bumpers particularly stood out during our testing. “I liked the classic-meets-modern look of the reinforced corners, as corners often get banged up easily, ” says one panelist. And despite its weight, our testers say it didn’t feel flimsy: “It’s not too heavy but feels very sturdy. I was pleasantly surprised at how little it was scuffed through our travels.” Over-packers can especially appreciate this bag’s Y-strap packing system, which seamlessly compresses items.

Dimensions: 29.8 x 20 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Recycled polyester | Capacity: 77.8 liters

Best for:

• Plenty of pocket space
• Expandability 
• Gusseted laundry bag

Skip if:

• You want more colorways

The Samsonite Elevation Plus scored the highest marks of the softside suitcases we tested. Our testers called out its many spacious pockets, quick-access storage and great organization, including a PEVA wet pocket to separate toiletries. Inside, a wireframed divider compresses items to create even more space; the bag is also expandable by 2 inches should you need more. 

Another prominent feature? The bag’s dual spinner wheels, which one of our testers raved about: “The wheels were super smooth—they weirdly rolled better with more weight than less." This bag also comes with an internal luggage tag holder for frequent travelers who wish to track their belongings. We recommend slipping in an Apple AirTag to ensure your items are safe all trip long.

Dimensions: 26 × 16.5 × 10.8 inches | Weight: 9.3 pounds | Material: A combination of polycarbonate and ABS plastic | Capacity: 68.3 liters

Best for:

• Well-priced luggage
• Stylish color selection
• Combination TSA lock

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a bag with a sturdier outer shell

With a whopping 68 liter capacity, the Calpak Ambeur Medium packs in a lot thanks to its cross compression strap—and at $245, it’s more affordable than many of the other checked bags on our list. This bag’s spacious size earned high marks from our panel, with one tester sharing, “I was impressed by how much I could squeeze into it without even using the two-inch expansion system." 

The suitcase’s side handlebar also earned praise from a tester, who notes, “I particularly loved how grippy it was, considering how much I was lifting it (my bag weighed 20 pounds).” Because this bag’s shell isn’t fully made from polycarbonate, we did notice some surface-level scratching after long trips. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we would recommend opting for another polycarbonate bag on our list.

Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 12 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Material: Ballistic Nylon | Capacity: 80 to 97 liters (when expanded)

Best for:

• Those who travel with wrinkle-prone garments 
• Over-packers who need robust expansion features
• A hidden ID tag for enhanced security

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget

Looking to pack more efficiently? Briggs & Riley’s Baseline Spinner’s one-touch expansion system was a favorite among our testers, who said it was very easy to use: After loading in your belongings, simply press a button to have the bag expand by 34 percent; after you’re all done, press it again to compress everything back down. If you’re traveling with evening wear, there’s also a wrinkle-reducing garment folder at the top to keep your clothes nice and crisp. 

“This bag’s organization is top-notch,” says one tester. “I keep my nice dresses in the garment panels, then things like food items in other zippered pockets. The expandable feature is really nice because I’m usually traveling with a lot of gifts, too.” For a more affordable option, check out Briggs & Riley’s ZDX Expandable Spinner: While it doesn’t compress like the Baseline Spinner does, its expansion features still offer enough room for your extra belongings.

Dimensions: 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 112 liters

Best for:

• Its handy weight indicator
• A retractable bag strap
• Plenty of pouches for storage

Skip if:

• You’re seeking a smaller suitcase

Our panel loved the effortless expandability of the Bèis Large Check-In Roller, which also won high marks for its built-in weight indicator. Ideal for over-packers, the indicator alerts you if your bag is over weight limits (around 50 pounds for most standard airlines)—a unique and thoughtful offering. The bag’s 360-degree wheels allow it to easily glide across any airport floor, and its gradient 3D stripe exterior is sure to turn heads. 

Our testers praised this bag’s construction, with one sharing, “The zippers were hassle-free and easy to use, and the inside pockets allowed me to compress my items without worrying if they would spill out when I reopened it.” Bonus: The bag has a detachable compression flap, plus plenty of pouches for all the little souvenirs you pick up during your trip. 

Dimensions: 27 x 17.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 9.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 71.4 liters

Best for:

• A reinforced, protective exterior
• Anti-theft locks
• An internal privacy curtain with additional pockets

Skip if:

• The outer shell’s distinct brushed pattern isn’t really your style

If it’s scuff you’re worried about, the Samsonite Winfield 2’s Polycarbonate exterior was specifically engineered to absorb impact. When your bag comes in contact with a surface, its material flexes before settling back into its original shape—thereby avoiding most dents. For scratches that do occur, the bag’s brushed coloration pattern perfectly conceals any lasting marks that would otherwise stick out like a sore thumb. 

Our testers praised this bag’s protective exterior, with one sharing, “Its sturdy hardside exterior made me feel like my items were protected, not to mention its built-in lock." Even though this suitcase’s shell reduces the appearance of marks, “its material isn’t completely scratch resistant,” adds the tester. If potential scuff is an absolute deal-breaker for you, opt for the brand’s Elevation Plus—our favorite softside checked luggage—instead.

Dimensions: 28 x 18.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 77 liters

Best for:

• Those who care about sustainability 
• A sophisticated, textured design
• 360-degree spinner wheels

Skip if:

• You’d rather use a smaller checked bag

The Paravel Aviator Grand perfectly blends style and sustainability. Our testers praised the suitcase’s signature striped texture and vegan leather accents as well as the brand’s commitment to using eco-friendly materials. Everything from its shell to its zippers was originally recycled, and Paravel even offsets any carbon missions created from producing and shipping the bag.

“It was large enough to squeeze in all of my clothing and accessories without feeling bulky, like some larger checked bags are,” says one of our testers. “Its look feels elevated and stylish, made all the more impressive when you consider its materials.” If you’re looking for an even more eco-conscious upgrade, the brand’s exclusive Aviator100 has a shell made from eight recycled water cooler jugs; it comes in a vibrant aqua color to reflect the purity of its sourced materials.

Dimensions: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 107 liters

Best for:

• 3-plus week long trips
• Double-buckle compression 
• Reverse coil zippers

Skip if:

• You’re looking for a more lightweight option

While the Away The Trunk’s large size isn’t ideal for every trip, it’s great for long-haul adventures. Our testers were able to pack over 21 outfits inside—plenty of options for three weeks or more. Its quick-release trolley handle made it easy to carry without strain, and its underside grab handle made lifting it off the carousel a breeze.

Despite its larger size, our panel had no issues rolling this bag to the gates. “It was very maneuverable, the wheels spin beautifully and I was able to easily juggle it and a toddler with ease at the airport," says one tester. It also earned high marks for its construction: “The zippers are sturdy, and it’s overall very lightweight for a trunk.”