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Summer’s finally here! With the sunshine season comes one thing – holidays.
And if you’re jetting off soon, you might be on the hunt for a new suitcase to accompany your travels.
Here, we’ve tried out some of the best suitcases, based on performance, practicality and style. All of these models pass our tests: they’re sturdy enough to stay intact for more than a few flights and glam enough to see you travel in style.
There are ultra-luxury options as well as budget-friendly ones, and a whole host of options to select from in between – and different sizes.
Regardless of your priorities, we’ve got you covered, from super lightweight models to vintage-style designs and suitcases perfect for active adventurers who want more than a weekender bag.
Don’t forget to check your airline requirements before packing, though, as weight and size limits can differ from one carrier to another.
Best suitcases at a glanceHow we test
When testing luggage, we don’t just measure it against airline limits – we take it for a physical spin on the road (or, rather the winding hallways of our office).
From zipping through ‘airport terminals,’ to hauling cases onto ‘overhead racks,’ to squeezing in as much as possible without expanding its size, we simulate real travel scenarios to see how each case holds up.
We assess everything from maneuverability and wheel smoothness, size, weight, zips, handles, external compartments and interior layout.
We also pack and unpack them repeatedly to see how well they hold shape and withstand pressure – especially given that they’ll be tucked in a tight space underneath seats or above in overhead lockers.
Beyond performance, we also take into account aesthetics, value for money, and build quality.
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 to buy now
Here, we’ve advised you on how to find the very best suitcases with a range of features to suit any and all tastes
H7 RE Check-In LuggageProduct SpecsMaterial97% recycled high-performance polycarbonateCapacity98LSize77cm x 52cm x 28cmWeight4.7kg
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
This is one of my favourite suitcases ever.
The on-trend glossy brown colour immediately caught my eye, but I was initially sceptical it was just a pretty face with no substance.
But I was wrong.
Horizn is known for innovation and design expertise, and this extremely lightweight model provides both style and performance.
It wheels like a dream – it barely made a sound while I hauled it through several stations and across cities. It’s light and easy to move around.
Plus, it’s in line with Horizn’s sustainability policies. The luggage with a hard shell made from renewed high-performance polycarbonate, which saves over 72 per cent of CO2 emissions without compromising on performance – meaning it’s great for eco-conscious travellers.
You can read our definitive tried-and-tested guide to the essential hold luggage for your next long-haul flight for a full rundown.
American Tourister FastForward 78cmProduct SpecsMaterial100% PolypropyleneCapacity118LSize78 x 50 x 30 cmWeight3.9kg
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
This is the best budget case.
On the cheaper end of the scale, this case is great value for money. It’s functional, simple and spacious, making it easy to pack.
It’s also really light, at just 3.9kg, so would be easier to lift, and won’t take up too much of your weight allowance.
It lacks the style of some of the other cases reviewed, though – so it might not be for the glamorous traveller.
But if you’re after function, space and convenience, this might be the option for you.
To pack your bag like a pro, you’ll need to start with a high quality suitcase like this Kapten & Son Heathrow Cabin
Kapten & Son Heathrow CabinProduct SpecsMaterialOuter fabric: Polycarbonate / Lining: PolyesterCapacity38LSize55 cm x 38 cm x 23 cmWeight3.12kg
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.
Check out our full guide to cabin bags here for more detail.
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 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.
Hayley Minn took the July Checked with CaseSafe for a spin on a trip to Turkey
July Checked Plus CasesafeProduct SpecsMaterialAerospace-grade German polycarbonate shellCapacity110LSize77cm H x 50cm W x 31cm DWeight4.8kg
Reviewed by Hayley Minn
As soon as I unpacked the July Checked, I was in love.
I could just imagine myself gliding through the airport with my bright pink suitcase like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.
I was slightly worried the setup for the CaseSafe tracking in the suitcase would be a bit tricky, but it was seamless, and I was able to see it on Find My immediately.
There is a temptation to become a bit obsessive however, when you’re not with your suitcase.
There are so many compartments within the suitcase, and even a separate bag for your dirty clothes.
It wheels easily, and was very smooth along the airport floors, but it did get a bit scraped in the corners after a return flight.
At £305, I think it’s a worthwhile purchase for anyone who worries about losing their suitcase.
Read our full review of the July Checked with CaseSafe here.
AirSlim four-wheel collapsible cabin luggageProduct SpecsWeight1,9 kgCapacity39LDimensions55 x 35 x 20 cm
By Alesia Fiddler
A four-wheel cabin case that’s lightweight and collapsible – you can’t really go wrong with the AirSlim.
It easily folds away and tucks into my limited storage space at home, meaning it doesn’t take up much room when not in use – something I always struggle with when storing my luggage.
When expanded to it’s four-wheel set up, which is easy to figure out, the case glides smoothly and has handy compartments for items and clothing.
From an under-seat case that fits the size restrictions of Ryanair’s ‘small bag’, to a sturdy holdall and an affordable backpack for budget travellers, we’ve got something for all tastes – read the full Ryanair guide here.
Flight Knight two-wheel caseProduct SpecsCapacity25LDimensions45 x 36 x 20 cm
Reviewed by Alesia Fiddler
This tiny suitcase has everything covered: a stylish hard shell, eight wheels and even a combination lock. It impressively beats size restrictions across 109 airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI.
The exterior looks sleek and modern but this compact case doesn’t stop impressing inside, either. Both compartments securely hold items – one with an elastic strap, and the other zips. It glides smoothly and feels comfortable to pull or push along through a busy airport – the adjustable telescopic handle helps with this.
The only downside is it feels much heavier than some of the other options, especially when compared to a soft, fabric bag of the same size. 8-wheel model not yet available. 4-wheel model linked
Read our full easyJet luggage guide here.
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 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.
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.
FAQs
Is it better to have hard or soft shell luggage?
Soft-shell cases can rip easily – hard-shell cases tend to be more durable.
However, soft-shell cases can also be more flexible, so it depends what matters most to you.
What is the difference between a cabin bag and hold luggage?
The difference between these cases is the size.
Cabin bags can be taken on board with you, provided they fit airline restrictions, while hold luggage must be checked in before a flight and stored in the hold during the journey.
How much should I spend on a suitcase?
Suitcases can vary wildly in price depending on the type they are and the brand. They start at under £100 but can go into the £1000s.
Under £200: Budget-friendly options – that might not last quite as long.£200–£500: Reliable options that are good for most kinds of trips.£500–£750: Premium suitcases designed for those with luxury, business or long-haul trips in mind.£1,000+: Top-of-the-range models that will only appeal to a select few.
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