The Ultimate Luggage Set Buying Guide: Sizes, Materials, and Features (2025)

On a tight budget and need a lightweight checked bag? The It Luggage Striving 27-inch delivers softside polyester construction and true 8‑wheel spinner maneuverability for just $69.99. During our review, we noted recurring reports of wheel failures, lock hiccups on related models, and sluggish customer service, which cap its score at 6/10. For infrequent trips or road travel it’s fine, but frequent flyers will be better served by more robust checked options like the higher-rated Monos Hybrid (8/10).

If you prioritize durability and glide, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch is our premium softside favorite, scoring 9/10. During our review, the DuraGuard-coated nylon shrugged off spills, and the PrecisionGlide system with eight MagnaTrac wheels tracked straight even when fully packed. The tapered expansion adds only up to two inches, and at about 9.8 pounds it isn’t the lightest, with occasional long-term reports of zipper or handle issues. Still, with a TSA lock and excellent maneuverability, it’s a frequent-flyer standout.

If you prioritize light weight, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21‑inch carry‑on is a breeze to lift into bins and glides effortlessly on its spinners. We found the softside design surprisingly durable for the price, and the 2‑inch expansion gives useful wiggle room without stressing the zippers. Trade‑offs include occasional chemical odor from the lining, a tendency to tip when top‑heavy, and a shallow front pocket for bulkier items. With a 7.5/10 score at $144.49, it’s a smart, lightweight alternative to similarly priced hardsides like Samsonite Freeform if you pack thoughtfully.

For travelers who value organization, the SwissGear Sion softside impressed us with a roomy interior, multiple pockets, tie-down straps, and easy-access exterior compartments. The 360-degree spinner wheels and expandable capacity make navigating airports and last-minute souvenirs painless. That said, our experience shows softside protection is more limited than hardshells, and some users report wheel wobble after repeated flights—plus there’s no built-in TSA lock. With a 6.5/10 score, it’s a practical pick for road trips or light flyers, not heavy-duty mileage.

If you want a carry‑on built to last, Away’s Bigger Carry‑On in aluminum feels rock‑solid, with quiet, silky 360° wheels that impressed us. The clean interior compression system helps squeeze in extra outfits without expansion, and overall build quality justified its 8.5/10 score during our review. It is heavier than polycarbonate alternatives and pricey at $645, so weight‑restricted flights and tight budgets may push you elsewhere. Travelers prioritizing durability over ounces will love it; value‑seekers might consider midrange polycarbonate sets like Samsonite’s Freeform (6.5/10) for less.

Paravel’s Aviato Carry On More blends sustainability and style, earning an 8/10 in our testing. The recycled polycarbonate shell with vegan-leather trim feels sturdy, and the smooth double spinner wheels plus integrated TSA lock made airport navigation easy. It isn’t expandable and can be slightly heavier than some mainstream carry-ons, and a few users report early lock failures. If you value eco-minded materials and chic colors like Safari Green or Scuba Navy, the $297 price still feels justifiable for frequent weekenders.

For travelers who want the best, the Tumi Alpha 3 Short Trip Expandable Packing Case is our top-rated choice, earning a 9.5/10 during our review. The FXT ballistic nylon shell, integrated TSA lock, dual spinners, and a 3-stage handle delivered durable, smoothly rolling performance in our testing. Inside, a removable garment sleeve and smart pockets kept suits and small items crisp, and the expandable capacity added flexibility. It's pricier and a bit heavier than many carry-ons, but our experience shows its longevity more than justifies the investment.

Built for hard miles, the Monos Hybrid Large Check-in blends a tough polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame and twin TSA locks, and its high-performance spinner wheels glided effortlessly in our testing. At 8/10, it’s one of our top-rated checked choices, with responsive customer service adding peace of mind. The trade-offs are weight (about 13 lb) and a premium price, plus lighter colors can show scuffs. If you value durability over ounces, it’s worth the splurge.

Style-forward travelers may gravitate to the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0, but in our review it landed a 4.5/10 for value. The ABS/polycarbonate shell, TSA lock, and smooth 360° spinners are solid for checked travel, and the case expands for extra room. However, at about 11 pounds for the 28-inch, it’s heavier than many rivals and the $419.99 price stings, especially with mixed durability feedback. If you love the aesthetic and color options like Warm Sand or Red Elm, it’s best for occasional trips.

Tumi’s Alpha 3 International Carry-On is a road-warrior favorite for a reason: the FXT ballistic nylon shell feels bombproof, the dual-spinner wheels are buttery smooth, and the built‑in USB port keeps a power bank handy. In our testing it rolled beautifully and expanded when needed, earning a strong 7.5/10. Downsides are weight and a sky‑high price, with occasional reports of zipper or wheel issues under heavy use. For a similar feel at less cost, consider Travelpro’s Crew Classic (7/10).

Travelpro’s Crew Classic carry-on nails the fundamentals for frequent travelers: a tough, DuraGuard-coated fabric shell and the superb PrecisionGlide system with MagnaTrac self‑aligning spinner wheels. In our testing it rolled straight with minimal effort and the tapered expansion added usable capacity, though it can feel a bit top‑heavy when fully expanded and the handle seam may rub. With a 7/10 score, it’s a strong value pick compared with Tumi’s pricier Alpha 3 (7.5/10). Thoughtful, durable, and flight‑friendly.

If style is part of the journey, the Steve Madden Legends Turquoise set brings color and easy handling with lightweight softside construction and smooth 360° spinners. In our testing, it packed a lot without feeling bulky and the expansion proved handy, but we also noted reports of zipper failures and inconsistent telescoping-handle durability after minimal use. Scoring 6/10, it’s decent but not a value standout at this price. Travelers prioritizing durability might consider Samsonite’s hardside 3-piece set (6.5/10) instead.

On a tight budget for a weekend carry-on? The American Tourister Moonlight 2.0 scored 6/10 in our review for delivering light ABS construction, smooth 360° spinners, and a handy one-inch expansion at a wallet-friendly $129.99. It’s great for overhead bins and short trips, but our testers noticed the exterior scuffs easily, and long-term users report occasional wheel or handle hiccups. Since many models lack a built-in TSA lock, plan on using your own if you check it.

Kenneth Cole’s Out of Bounds line is a lightweight, easy-rolling option that scored 6/10 in our review. We liked the nimble four-wheel spinners and molded corner guards, which add protection at impact points without piling on weight. That said, the shell can flex and offers only moderate protection for fragile items, and some users report wobbly or failing telescoping handles—plus there’s no integrated TSA lock. It’s a good-looking choice for light packers who prioritize weight over maximum durability.

If you travel hard and want gear that keeps up, the Briggs & Riley Baseline earned our highest 9.5/10 for standout durability and support. Its ballistic nylon shrugs off abrasions and moisture, and the one‑touch CX expansion‑compression system adds serious capacity, then compresses everything back to size. During our review, the lifetime Simple as that warranty—repairs without proof of purchase—proved a huge confidence boost for frequent flyers. It is heavier and very pricey at $929, and wheels can struggle on rough sidewalks, but long‑term value eclipses most midrange hardsides.

For bargain hunters or occasional travelers, the Amazon Basics 3-Piece Set delivers surprising capacity and smooth four-spinner mobility at a rock-bottom $86.59. In our testing, the expandable design proved handy for souvenirs, and the lightweight hardshell keeps packing straightforward. However, our experience shows the zippers and telescoping handle can feel flimsy, and there are reports of failures under heavy airline use. With a 5.5/10 score, it’s fine for road trips and infrequent flights—just don’t expect long-haul durability.

American Tourister’s Airconic 3 Piece Set wins points for its featherweight polypropylene shell, recessed TSA combination lock, and easy-rolling dual spinner wheels. However, in our testing and from owner reports, zipper failures and telescopic-handle issues appeared early, and the shell scuffed or dented with rough handling. At a 4.5/10, it’s the weakest option in this guide’s three-piece picks, better suited to light car trips than repeated checked-bag duty. If you still love the Aqua Green or Graphite looks, pack light and carry-on when possible.

The Samsonite Freeform 2‑piece set hits a sweet spot for travelers who want light, easy‑rolling hardside cases without overspending. In our testing, the double‑spinner wheels glided smoothly, and the recessed TSA combination lock plus expansion gave welcome flexibility at the gate. That said, its shell scuffs more readily, the handle feels thinner than premium options, and interior organization is basic—reflected in its 6.5/10 score. For better scratch resistance and durability, the Novaire (8/10) is a step up, while Amazon Basics (7.5/10) undercuts it on price with comparable ease of use.

If price and color are your priorities, the Gowill Travel Suitcase Set delivers bright, easy‑to‑spot shells and a feather‑light feel for $99.99. During our review, we liked the included seven packing organizers and the smooth spinner wheels, which make weekend trips simple to manage. However, the 4.5/10 score reflects budget‑grade build quality, reports of zipper and wheel wear, and the lack of a clear TSA‑approved lock. For better long‑term value, our experience shows Amazon Basics (7.5/10, expandable, TSA lock) or Samsonite’s 3‑piece set (7/10) are better bets.

For a five‑piece bundle on a budget, Wooakway’s PP hardshell set offers solid impact resistance, smooth spinners, and a built‑in TSA‑style lock. In our testing, the cases were easy to maneuver through terminals, and the polypropylene shells resisted scuffs better than ABS rivals at this price. However, reports of sticky or failed zippers, finicky locks, and the occasional cracked shell or flimsy straps kept its score to 5.5/10. If reliability matters more than piece count, we’d lean toward Amazon Basics (7.5/10) or Samsonite’s 3‑piece set (7/10) for steadier long‑term performance.

This Samsonite 3-Piece hardside set strikes a smart middle ground: the ABS/polycarbonate shells with a brushed texture fend off scratches, and the dual spinner wheels track straight through terminals. In our review, we liked the coverage across carry-on, medium, and large sizes, though expansion is limited to about an inch and the carry-on lacks a TSA lock. At 6.5/10, it scores higher than similarly priced softside sets like Steve Madden’s 6/10. Just note the full set’s combined weight approaches 27.7 lb.

Hikolayae’s Hardside Spinner Luggage Sets tempt with a rock‑bottom price, ABS+polycarbonate shells, dual 360° spinners, and a TSA combination lock. Unfortunately, our experience shows quality-control is the Achilles’ heel: users report zippers separating on first use, wheels or handles arriving damaged, and even dented or cracked shells out of the box. With a 4.5/10 score, it ranks among the weakest choices in this guide. Consider it only for very occasional, light packing; frequent travelers should look to sturdier mid-tier sets.

Merax’s 3-piece ABS hardshell set packs surprisingly useful extras, including an integrated cup holder and side hooks, alongside smooth 360° spinner wheels and a TSA lock. During our review, those conveniences made airport lines easier, but the ABS shows scuffs and some users report peeling clear coat, plus occasional wheel and handle failures. It lands at 6/10—practical, but not built for heavy abuse. If you want the lowest price per piece, Travelers Club (5/10) is cheaper, albeit with fewer perks.

For the lowest upfront cost per piece, the Travelers Club Austin 4‑piece hardside set is hard to beat, offering basic ABS protection and even expansion for extra packing. That said, our review and buyer feedback flagged recurring wheel wear plus zipper and handle hardware failures after a few trips. With a 5/10 score, it’s a starter set best for road trips or occasional flights. If you can stretch the budget, the Merax set (6/10) adds handy extras and slightly better performance.

Starting from scratch? The BÉIS Travel Starter Set scored 7/10 in our tests for pairing a hard-sided polycarbonate carry-on (with 360° spinners and a TSA lock) with a roomy soft Weekender—ideal for mixing quick flights and road trips. We liked the organization and expandable capacity, but our durability checks showed edge scuffing on the roller, and some users find the Weekender’s shoulder strap uncomfortable when heavily loaded. For the price, it’s a stylish, versatile duo for occasional travelers.

Looking for a more premium three-piece set? The Delsey Paris Carrousel scored 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to its lightweight polycarbonate shells, whisper-quiet dual-density spinners, and robust security with a TSA lock and Zip SECURITECH zipper. It expands for flexibility and comes in refined colors like Navy Blue and Platinum, but we did see isolated reports of dents and expander-area zipper issues during checked travel. At $839.99—and with a carry-on heavier than some ultra-light options—it’s pricier than our top-value Samsonite pick.

Among midrange hardsides, the Samsonite Novaire impressed us with its Makrolon polycarbonate shell, which shrugs off impacts and hides scuffs better than most. The integrated 3‑digit TSA lock and smooth 360° spinners made airport sprints painless in our testing, earning it a solid 8/10. Be aware that some owners report spinner stiffness and zipper‑pull fatigue over time, and it isn’t expandable, so packing space is fixed. For travelers balancing durability and price, it’s a step above Samsonite’s Freeform (6.5/10) without approaching the premium cost of Briggs & Riley’s top‑rated Baseline.

For a cheap security boost, the Master Lock TSA‑accepted luggage lock kept our bags moving through screenings without damage in airport checks. We liked the resettable combination for keyless convenience and the choice of assorted colors to match or spot your suitcase quickly. That said, its small, low‑profile design can be tricky for travelers with limited dexterity, and the dials are harder to read in low light. Scoring 6.5/10 in our review, it isn’t fancy, but at around $9.77 it delivers reliable, TSA‑friendly protection for everyday trips.