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Gone are the days where suitcases were merely made for convenience and storage; nowadays, they are a veritable fashion item, with extra features and function that go beyond the basic.
But just because a suitcase looks good, doesn’t mean it’ll last you through the summer.
Here, we’ve reviewed and rated some of the best suitcases, based on performance, practicality and style. All of these suitcases pass our tests: they’re sturdy enough to stay in tact for more than a few flights and ultra-stylish to match your new airport outfit.
There are budget-friendly options for those wanting to save their spending for on-holiday, and premium models for the frequent flyers who need their case to look great in business class.
If other factors will sway your decision – such as security, material or weight – read on to see which wins.
It’s always worth noting with cabin baggage, different airlines have different recommendations – and not all cases will fit within requirements. That’s why we’ve done the checking for you, so you can rest assured your case won’t cost you an unexpected airport fine.
Here, we’ve reviewed eight suitcases, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models that ooze celebrity style, in order to find the very best ones with a range of features to suit any and all tastes
Best suitcases at a glanceHow we test
When testing suitcases, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey – for example, wheeling along both smooth and bumpy surfaces and being lifted. As well as evaluating performance, we also look for style, space, size, weight and durability to get a true measure of their abilities. We also make sure all suitcase comply with popular airline sizing restrictions.
Together with a group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail, we collate and compare how well each product performs, so you can choose the best suitcases for your travels.
We then collate and compare how well each product performs so you can choose the best suitcase for your travels.
When testing suitcases, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey
You can read more about our testing methodologies across all product categories.
Why trust us
Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as suitcases, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.
Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Best suitcases 2025
The Kapten & Son model comes in a classy Dusty Pistachio colour and features a simple design
Kapten & Son Heathrow CabinProduct SpecsMaterialOuter fabric: Polycarbonate / Lining: PolyesterCapacity38LSize55 cm x 38 cm x 23 cmWeight3.12kgReview
Review by Erin Deborah Waks
This is, without a doubt, my personal favourite suitcase I’ve ever used.
For a start, it’s super stylish, with a sleek design – and it comes in a range of subtle and tasteful colours.
But it’s not all about how it looks.
This case glides so smoothly, even over lumps and bumps on the terrain, which is essential when travelling to different destinations.
The inside is very neat and good quality, with compartments to organise your belongings and, as always, the security zip is great for peace of mind.
At 3.12kg it’s pretty light, and it’s not the most expensive option, either – given their £250 price tag, this case is definitely worth its cost.
Bear in mind, though – with a depth of 23cm, it might be slightly too big for certain airline regulations.
Horizn’s Essential Cabin Luggage is sleek, minimalist and elegant
H5 Essential Cabin LuggageProduct SpecsMaterialHard shell featuring premium German polycarbonateCapacity36LSize55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cmWeight2.9kgWhat we love
Modern designSleek, classy suitcase
WeightSuper light, making it easy to wheel and lift
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
Sleek, minimalist and elegant, Horizn’s H5 Essential case is perfect for seasoned travellers.
It’s not cheap, but it certainly feels durable.
And its modern colours and design make it practical and versatile.
However, there are a limited number of options in terms of colour, so aside from the Dusk Yellow most of the options are quite neutral.
For me, I found it a little less convenient to pack – there aren’t many pouches or sections to tuck things away, and it is only divided into two main sections.
Also, it felt a little flimsier than other options.
But it’s a great suitcase for all travellers.
As the cheapest suitcase I reviewed, this lilac-shelled durable suitcase is pretty decent value for money
Tulum Small SuitcaseProduct SpecsMaterialPolypropyleneCapacity36/45LSize55 cm x 40 cm x 22/25cm (extended)Weight3kgWhat we love
DesignStylish and colourful, this is a great holiday companion
PriceThe cheapest on the list, it’s great value for money
Review
Review by Erin Deborah Waks
As the cheapest suitcase I reviewed, this lilac-shelled durable suitcase is pretty decent value for money.
Given its lower price point, it’s safe to say I was impressed. It has most of the features available on more high-end suitcases: zip lock, smooth rolling wheels, expandable spaces.
It comes in a range of colours, from Barbie-style candy pink to pretty lilac and simple black, so there’s something for all tastes.
On the downside, it doesn’t have many interior departments to organise your belongings.
And it might fall slightly short in terms of that tangible luxury some of the pricier options provide – but it is nonetheless a great option for budget travellers.
This option is a real taste of luxury. It glides smoothly and, what’s more, almost silently
Essential 56cm Carry-On Expandable Spinner SuitcaseProduct SpecsMaterialRecycled PC/Recycled PolyesterCapacity41-52LSize55.9 cm x 35.6 cm x 22.9 cmWeight4kgWhat we love
QualityThe quality of this item is unparalleled, and it feels sturdy
FeaturesThe case has all the extras you could want
Review
Review by Erin Deborah Waks
Impressive suitcase – but you’d hope so, given the near £600 price tag.
This option is a real taste of luxury. It glides smoothly and, what’s more, almost silently.
It also lets you expand the case for 25 per cent more space, which is a real bonus for international travel.
With all the bells and whistles – internal pockets, sturdy wheels and exterior shell, a personalised leather monogram nameplate, lockable zip, and plenty more – it’s a well-designed, high quality case.
However, the drawback of the case is its weight. At 4kg, it’s one of the heaviest cases I’ve reviewed, and I found carrying it harder than some of the other options.
Large Cabin Suitcase – Icon StripeProduct SpecsMaterialPolycarbonateCapacity55LSize58 cm x 39.5 cm x 24 cmWeight2.8kgWhat we love
WeightAt 2.8kg, this case makes travel easy
DesignAntler’s modern design is sleek and stylish
Review
Review by Erin Deborah Waks
Lightweight, water-resistant, and pretty much silent to wheel along, this cabin suitcase is a classy, sleek travel companion.
Weighing just 2.8 kg, it’s impressively easy to wheel around and carry – making it a great carry-on option, given how easily you could hoist it into an overhead compartment.
The shell means it doesn’t scratch easily, too.
The brand offers a lifetime warranty – which is a plus, because given how lightweight it is, I’d be a tad worried about wear and tear if you’re a frequent traveller.
On the down side, this case might be slightly too big for certain airlines – however this does mean it has large capacity to hold your belongings.
Ogio’s design is a no-added-frills suitcase, inspired by the brand’s popular backpack design, and is functional and practical
Ogio Renegade 4-Wheel Carry-On BagProduct SpecsMaterialRecycled 600D Poly and 400D Diamond Ripstop + Water ResistantCapacity33LSize56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cmWeight3.45kgWhat we love
PocketsLots of pouches make it convenient to pack
Soft materialIf you’re looking for this type of case, it’s a plus
Review
Review by Erin Deborah Waks
This no-added-frills suitcase, inspired by the brand’s popular backpack design, is functional and practical.
I found the number of pockets to be useful. Not only is it spacious on the inside, but it also has a padded valuable pocket as well as interior and exterior pockets, great for packing smart – and for chucking in any last-minute essentials without having to repack your bag.
In terms of security, it does have safety zippers to prevent theft, which is always a bonus.
It’s also a good, waterproof option if you don’t like a hard-shell case.
However, it does fall short of some of the other suitcases in terms of style, so might be a better option for sporty or active travellers. It rolls slightly less smoothly, as well – meaning it does not glide quite as effortlessly as some of the other options.
Carry On Light ExpandableProduct SpecsMaterialAerospace-grade German polycarbonate shellCapacity35/40LSize54 cm x 36 cm x 22/24.5 cmWeight2.2kgWhat we love
WeightAt 2.2kg, this is the lightest case on the list
Wheels360 dual spinner wheels are quiet and make it easy to wheel
Review
Review by Harriet Sime
Travelling light is a struggle for most. But The July’s Carry On Light Expandable certainly makes things easier.
As the world’s lightest suitcase, the carry on weighs just 2.2kg, offers 40L capacity and features 360 dual spinner wheels, which are whisper-quiet and make it a joy to handle even on bumpy pavements.
It’s also incredibly chic and comes in eight colours, including moss, sand (a peachy pink) and, my favourite, clay (a midtone orange).
Inevitably, it’s incredibly light – but it is on the smaller side, even with its expandable zip. Nevertheless, it’s perfect for a short-haul weekend trip away.
JetKids™ BedBox™ – Ride-On luggageProduct SpecsMaterialABS, nylon. Mattress: 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton.Capacity19LSize20 cm x 39 cm x 47 cmWeight3kgWhat we love
EntertainmentProvides hours of entertainment for children while travelling
SizeAmple storage
FunctionsConverts seamlessly into a nifty bed
StyleAesthetically pleasing and high-quality
Review
Review by Harriet Sime
A ride-on suitcase that transforms into an in-flight bed for your child? The Stokke JetKids BedBox is a dream for travelling parents.
The revolutionary suitcase, designed for children aged 3-7, seamlessly switches between a ride-along suitcase to a lie-flat bed once on board, allowing children to rest comfortably and sleep during long and short-haul flights.
I tested it out on my six-year-old nephew, who decorated his purple-coloured suitcase with space-themed stickers and his name, before speeding through the house with glee.
With ample storage, the BedBox holds your child’s in-flight must-haves, comes with a comfortable packable mattress, and is transformed into a bed in five simple steps by extending the seat surface with the expandable lid.
The suitcase comes in six different colourways.
Our verdict
If I were to buy any suitcase on this list, it would be the Kapten & Son model. Although it’s not cheap, it glides along so smoothly, making it a super useful travel companion. It’s pretty to look at, too, making it a must-have choice for anyone looking to travel in style.
However, I’d be tempted by the Rock Tulum case, too – especially given the fun range of colours available, making it easy to spot your case in airports. It’s also great value for money.
I’d also highly recommend the Horizn or Antler cabin suitcase tested, as they are versatile, sleek, lightweight and smooth. They have really great features suitable for all types of travellers.
The suitcase styles to avoid
There are certain types of suitcases we recommend that you avoid.
For example, soft-shell ones can rip easily – hard-shell cases tend to be more durable. Also, some suitcases say they fit in the airline restrictions but don’t, so make sure you double check with the requirements.
And plain colours may mean they your case could get lost or confused with other people’s, especially if it’s a popular design. We’d advise steering clear of plain black cases for this reason.
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