The best luggage brands to buy in 2023
If you've ever travelled with a temperamental suitcase, you'll know that choosing the right style, size and quality of luggage can make all the difference to your journey. The best suitcase is one that is reliable, easy to carry and looks good. It can store everything you need for your trip while also surviving the wear and tear of the journey, from baggage claim to bumpy cobbled city streets. Not every suitcase is up to the task, which is why we've narrowed down the best styles to invest in, based on the best luggage brands featured in our Reader's Choice Awards.
Which luggage brand is best?
According to our readers choice awards, the best luggage brands are Away, Bric's and Patagonia. But the best brand really depends on the type of case you need for your travels.
- The best classic suitcase brands: Antler, Away, Tumi and Rimowa
- The best luxury suitcase brands: Bric's, Paravel and Louis Vuitton
- The best budget suitcase brands: American Tourister and Samsonite
What suitcase is better, hard or soft?
The best type of suitcase depends on whether you plan to check in the case or carry it on the plane.
For check-in suitcases: we recommend opting for a hard shell suitcase. While they tend to cost more, these suitcases are often more durable, offer better protection and are easier to clean than soft shell styles.
For carry-on suitcases: we prefer soft shell suitcases, as they aren't as restrictive in terms of space, which means you can often fit more in. These styles also tend to have pouches on the outside that can come in handy when you're in transit. Although there are some hard shell suitcases, like the best selling Clifton cabin case with pocket, that feature an easy-to-access external pocket, offering the best of both worlds.
How do I choose a suitcase?
There's a lot to consider when buying a suitcase, particularly in regards to carry on luggage restrictions as they vary greatly between airlines. In addition to weight and dimensions, the best type of suitcase depends on the kind of travel you are planning. If you're looking for a suitcase to take on weekend breaks to Europe, look for styles with durable wheels that can withstand rolling over cobblestone streets. If you're travelling long haul or with multiple stopovers, a hard case style is best for enduring the journey and keeping your belongings safe and secure.
For more luggage advice and recommendations see our following guides:
- The best carry on luggage
- The best hard shell suitcases
- The best packing cubes
- The best travel backpacks
- The best flight bags
Antler
This British heritage brand was originally established in Lancashire by John Boultbee Brooks in 1914. Today Antler is based in London, while it's colourful Clifton suitcases are a best-seller around the world. Their packing cubes are known to regularly sell out too.
According to our editors: “I have the Clifton set in mineral and absolutely love it. The cute cabin case is the perfect bag to take on weekend breaks. Each case within the set sits neatly within one another, so it's easy to store too.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Price range: from £170 for the cabin bags, £240 for the large check in bags, sets of three start at £527.
Our pick: the Clifton cabin with pocket is one of our top rated cabin suitcases.
Away
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Stephanie Korey, who met while working together at American glasses brand Warby Parker. The New York based start-up originally launched with their classic polycarbonate carry-on suitcases which cleverly feature the ability to charge your personal devices. Today it's one of the most popular direct-to-consumer luggage brands, with a cult following on Instagram.
According to our editors: “It was easy to pack, with plenty of storage options, and easy to navigate through a busy airport thanks to its spinner wheels and sturdy frame. I’m such a convert, that I’m considering investing in the matching carry-on and packing cubes for my next trip home." Abigail Malbon, who moved to another country using the Away Large Flex suitcase
According to our readers: Away came in at number 1 in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 91.09
Price range: from £245 for the cabin bags, £665 for the large aluminium styles, the cabin and the medium set together is £510.
Our pick: The Medium Flex.
American Tourister
Established in 1933, this Samsonite owned luggage brand is best known for its affordable lightweight suitcases in vibrant colours, as well as its collaborations with Disney and Marvel. Many of its popular styles fit within budget airline allocations and are available on Amazon, making it a quick and affordable option if you need a suitcase in a hurry.
According to our readers: the brand was ranked 10th best in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 88.94
Price range: from £139 for the cabin suitcases to £185 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the holiday heat spinner hand luggage.
Tumi
Launching in 1975, American luggage brand Tumi gained a popular following in the 1980s with its collection of soft ballistic nylon travel bags. Today Tumi is at the forefront of innovative and sustainable design, with a strong focus on testing each and every aspect of its luggage and bags (sometimes up to 30 unique tests), as well as utilising recycled materials and offering a global repair network programme. The brand is best known for its signature aluminum cases, as well as its limited-edition collaborations, most recently with supercar maker McLaren.
Price range: from £540 for the cabin suitcases to £1,580 for the largest aluminium rolling case.
Our pick: International Slim Super Léger Carry-On.
BÉIS Travel
American luggage label BÉIS has a cult global following thanks to their thoughtfully designed bags and suitcases available in a range of fashionable colours. One of their best sellers in The Weekender, a clever tote bag with a separate bottom compartment for storing shoes separately, as well as a zipper-pocket that can slide over a luggage handle.
Price range: from £223 for the cabin suitcases to £335 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the carry-on roller with the matching weekender bag.
Carl Friedrik
Since it launched in London in 2012, Carl Friedrik has become best known for its beautiful and high quality Italian leather bags and accessories. Its luggage range is made from polycarbonate while featuring is signature leather as trim details. Their cases are also zipper-free, and instead are secured with an aluminium lock frame. Each case comes with a lifetime guarantee and a 100 day trial period.
Price range: from £223 for the cabin suitcases to £335 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Carry-on Pro.
Bric's
For a bag that prioritises style without sacrificing function, our readers love Bric’s, which has been crafting travel bags and leather goods out of the Lake Como region since the 1950s. For their Bellagio case, the Italian brand has modernised the vintage-style travel trunk by adding practical features like a front compartment with a USB port, a zipped interior and four 360-degree spinner wheels.
According to our readers: the brand was ranked 2nd best in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 90.93
Price range: from £465.
Our pick: the four-wheel cabin suitcase.
Paravel
For high quality that does no harm, look to Paravel's Aviator, the world's first carbon-neutral suitcase. The concept is achieved via sustainable sourcing and manufacturing methods along with the use of recycled materials – the polycarbonate case is made from recycled water cooler tanks, the internal organization pouches are made from recycled plastic bottles. Even the zippers are recycled. Paravel also offset all of the carbon emissions generated from the production of the suitcase, right through to the delivery and even its first first trip (based on an average flight). The credentials are admirable but we also think this is one of the most stylish check-in cases at this price point, available in five different colours, and featuring smart recycled vegan leather accents.
Price range: from £435 for the cabin suitcases to £525 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Weekender set plus.
Samsonite
Light and secure, Samsonite's S'Cure range of luggage is a great budget-friendly option. The hardcase is light but sturdy, and comes with a three-point locking system. What makes these really standout are the colour options, seven in total including bright shades of red, yellow and blues, so they're very easy to spot in a crowded airport.
According to our readers: the brand was ranked 9th best in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 88.96
Price range: from £124 for the cabin suitcases to £425 for the large check-in cases.
Rimowa
As part of the LVMH group, German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market. While they’re probably best known for their aluminium cases, the check-in medium case is made from an ultralight polycarbonate shell that comes in four different glossy shades and one matte. While not every traveller will be open to the high price tag, if you’re a frequent flyer looking for the best in looks and function, this is a worthy investment.
According to our readers: the brand was ranked 6thth best in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 89.96
Price range: from £465 for the cabin suitcases to £1,340 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Essential cabin bag.
Victorinox
With functions inspired by the Swiss Army Knife, it’s no surprise Victorinox's cases are built to last. For a strong and spacious option, we love the large Lexicon hard-side case, featuring the latest advances in moulding technology plus a 100 per cent virgin polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved combination lock and super-recessed wheels that allow for more packing room. If you travel often and don't pack light, this one is worth the investment.
Price range: from £275 for the cabin suitcases to £595 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Lexicon hardside.
Louis Vuitton
For arriving in style there’s no finer choice than a Louis Vuitton case, and the legendary LV logo always gets the fashion nod of approval. This particular design exudes innovation with its wheels, ultra-light canvas and leather trim.
According to our readers: the brand was ranked 7th best in our Reader's Choice Awards, with a score of 89.64
Price range: from £2,200.
Our pick: the classic Horizon 50 MY LV Heritage case.
