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

Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 Carry-On/Check-In Set balances light weight and durability well, earning a 7/10 in our hands-on tests. We found the DuraGuard® coated polyester resists water and stains, the 360-degree spinner wheels make rolling effortless, and the low overall weight is a real benefit at the gate. On the downside our experience shows some users encounter a persistent chemical odor in the lining and the expandable capacity is limited, plus there’s no integrated TSA lock, so bring a small padlock if security is a concern.

Softside travelers who crave pockets will appreciate the Swissgear Sion 6283’s scuff-resistant polyester and exterior organization—during our review the 360° spinners felt smooth weaving through terminals. The set’s 7/10 score reflects solid everyday value, though our experience shows the telescoping handle can feel wiggly and the TSA locks have reliability complaints. It’s expandable and available in classic colors, making it practical for families. If you want higher polish and reliability, consider the Delsey St Tropez (8/10) or Tumi 19 Degree (10/10).

The Coolife 3 Piece Luggage Set is pleasingly lightweight with smooth-rolling spinners and built-in TSA locks we appreciated during our review, making it a strong option for easy airport navigation. That said, our experience shows the ABS shell is prone to scratches and scuffs after regular use, and some users reported issues with lock quality and warranty support which lowers long-term confidence. Given its $199.99 price and a 6/10 score, it’s a practical, budget-friendly choice if you don’t need rugged, heavy-duty durability.

Away’s The Bigger Carry-On in Navy Blue earned an impressive 8.5/10 for good reason: in our testing the polycarbonate shell stood up to bumps and its 360° spinner wheels rolled exceptionally smoothly. The roomy interior swallows a week’s worth of clothes, though during our review we found the lack of specialized compartments can make detailed organization trickier and its larger dimensions may not fit stricter overhead bins. If you prioritize durability and a premium rolling experience and don’t mind the higher price, this carry-on is a top pick.

Paravel’s Aviator Carry-On Plus blends style and sustainability with a recycled-polycarbonate shell and carbon-neutral build; in our testing the 360° spinners glided effortlessly. It earns an 8/10 for its premium feel and TSA lock, though lighter colors like Scout Tan can scuff and a few users report early hardware hiccups. Since it’s not expandable, packers who overfill might prefer a zipper-expandable alternative. Compared with the Monos Hybrid (7/10), the Paravel feels lighter and greener, but the Tumi 19 Degree (10/10) remains the benchmark.

Our top-rated short-trip pick, the Tumi 19 Degree earns a 10/10 for best-in-class build: an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, integrated TSA lock, and recessed dual spinners with metal bearings that roll whisper-quiet in our testing. The expandable design adds flexibility without wobble, and the fit-and-finish feel luxe. Downsides are the luxury price and a glossy surface that shows scuffs. If budget allows, it’s the suitcase we’d trust most compared with mid-tier options like Swissgear (7/10) or Delsey (8/10).

The International Carry-On from Tumi is lightweight and highly maneuverable — in our testing its spinner action felt effortless and easy to steer through crowded gates. That said, at $895 and a 6.5/10 score it’s one of the pricier carry-ons and our experience shows the limited packing space reduces overall value compared with similarly slim competitors. During our review the absence of an outside pocket was a consistent downside, since there’s no quick place for boarding passes or a phone when you’re rushing through security.

American Tourister’s Airconic offers convenient security and organization for casual travelers, and during our review we appreciated the built-in TSA lock and multiple packing compartments. It scored a 6/10 overall — we found the lightweight hardside shell easy to maneuver and the interior pockets practical, but zipper failures and reports of fabric holes after minimal use raise red flags for reliability. For short trips where security and organization matter this is attractive and affordable, but frequent flyers should be cautious about long-term durability.

Steve Madden’s 3-Piece Spinner Suitcase Set is a lightweight softside trio with smooth 360° spinners and multiple pockets that kept our packing neat and accessible in testing. It expands for extra room, yet our experience shows zippers and handles can fail when overpacked, and lighter fabrics collect dirt—so Black is the safer pick. The underseat bag’s two wheels reduce maneuverability, and at $296.99 it scored 6/10, pricier than Coolife but less durable than Delsey’s 9/10 Chatelet Air 2.0 or Away’s 8.5/10.

The Monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus impressed us with its polycarbonate shell, aluminum frame, corner guards, and dual TSA locks—during our testing the spinner wheels felt exceptionally smooth. It earns a 7/10: protection is excellent, but the telescoping handle can stick and the hybrid frame doesn’t flex for overpacking. Customer-service stories are mixed, which tempers long-term confidence. If you want a similarly premium ride, Paravel’s Aviator (8/10) is greener and lighter, while Tumi’s 19 Degree (10/10) is the no-compromise splurge.

Delsey Paris’ Chatelet Air 2.0 is one of our top-rated choices, earning a 9/10 because in our testing the recessed TSA combination lock, SECURITECH zip, and dual-density double-spinner wheels combined for secure, silky rolling travel. We also appreciated the thoughtful interior with a laundry bag, shoe bag, and mesh pockets that kept outfits organized during longer trips, though our review notes lighter colors can show wear and the USB port needs your own charger. If you want premium security and refined handling without compromise, this set stands out.

In our testing the Samsonite Winfield 2 Carry-On (7/10) impressed with a 100% polycarbonate hard shell that absorbs impact and flexes to resist dents, and the four multi-directional spinner wheels kept rolling smooth through terminals. We found the integrated TSA-approved combination lock handy for security, but during our review the glossy finish showed visible scratches and scuffs sooner than textured shells. At $424.26 the price feels steep for a carry-on without exterior pockets, and our experience shows the lack of a side handle makes gate-side lifts and stair carries less convenient.

Rockland’s Safari Hardside Spinner Set scores a 6/10 and stands out for its eye-catching patterns and featherlight feel — in our testing the 360-degree spinners rolled smoothly and made airport turns easy. During our review we missed an integrated TSA-approved lock and found the shiny finish attracts fingerprints and minor scuffs, which affects its long-term appearance. At $105.99 it’s a fun, affordable choice for style-focused travelers, but limited handle padding and the non-expandable design make it less suited to heavy packing or frequent flyers.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Check-In Spinner impressed us with premium softside construction and features that justify its higher price, earning a solid 7.5/10 in our testing. We found the contoured telescopic handle and high-density DuraGuard nylon resist stains and stand up to frequent use, while the built-in suiter is genuinely handy for keeping shirts wrinkle-free on longer trips. That said, the magnetic self-aligning spinner wheels tend to drift toward the user and steering felt less precise than some competitors, and the cost is higher than budget sets.

If style matters, the American Tourister Moonlight set turns heads with bold, colorful patterns and lightweight maneuverability, and it scored a 6.5/10 in our review. We found the spinner wheels glide easily and the expandable shell is useful when you need extra room, but the hard exterior is prone to scuffs and scratches and there are no built-in TSA-approved locks for peace of mind. For weekenders or style-conscious travelers this is a fun, affordable pick, but expect to baby it to avoid cosmetic wear.

The Travelers Club Chicago 20" Carry-On Spinner is an affordable hardside option with an expandable design that we found handy for weekend trips, but it scored 5.5/10 overall. In our testing the lightweight shell and extra packing room are definite pluses, yet wheel durability and a wobbly extended handle cropped up repeatedly in user reports and in our hands-on checks. If you want a protective hardside carry-on on a tight budget this will do the job, but expect potential hardware upkeep over time.

Kenneth Cole’s Out Of Bounds Spinner is a sturdy-feeling hardside suitcase with smooth 4-wheel spinners and a lightweight shell, and it scored 6.5/10 in our review. We found the ABS exterior provides solid protection and the multi-directional wheels roll well over different surfaces, but the telescopic handle only locks in one position and some users report handle durability problems over time. There’s no built-in lock, so plan to add your own security solution if you’re checking this as a primary travel case.

Briggs & Riley’s Expandable Spinner is engineered for maximum capacity, and in our testing its huge expandable interior truly frees you up for extended trips without constant compression packing. That abundance of space comes at a cost: our experience shows the case is heavier than many competitors and its premium price makes it a significant investment, reflected in its 5.5/10 score for value. If you prioritize uncompromising packing room and top-tier construction over weight or budget, this softside spinner is worth considering.

The Amazon Basics 4-Piece Luggage Set is a bargain at $71 and gives you spinner mobility across every piece, but during our review it showed why economy sets have trade-offs — it earned a 5.5/10. We found the ABS hardshell keeps weight down and protects items reasonably well, yet ABS is less resilient than polycarbonate and the included 28-inch case isn’t suitable as carry-on for many airlines. If you’re outfitting a family on a strict budget this set delivers usable value, but don’t expect long-term durability or true premium materials.

Samsonite’s Freeform Luggage Set is one of the better mid-priced hard-shell options we tested, earning an 8/10 for its blend of strength and smooth handling. In our testing the expandable design and double-spinner wheels made packing and rolling effortless, and the TSA lock adds needed security; the set’s lightweight build is another real plus for avoiding overweight fees. Be aware our experience shows the glossy finishes scratch more easily and the 21" carry-on can be tight when expanded, and it lacks external pockets for quick-access items.

The SHOWKOO expandable set looks the part with a PC+ABS shell, 360° spinners, and about three inches of extra capacity, and in our review it packed easily. However, its 5/10—lowest in this group—stems from recurring zipper jams, reports of cracked shells after limited use, and flimsy internal straps. For short car trips or gentle carry-on use, it can suffice at the price. If you’re checking bags often, we’d favor sturdier picks like the Delsey St Tropez (8/10) or Tumi 19 Degree (10/10).

Wooakway’s 5-Piece Luggage Set offers an attractive balance of a lightweight, impact-resistant hardshell and smooth 360-degree spinners that made navigating crowds simple in our testing. We found the construction resists dents and everyday knocks, but our review noted zipper failures and TSA lock problems reported by users, and some pieces don’t expand as advertised which limits packing flexibility. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a sensible choice for casual travelers wanting durable shells and easy rolling, but frequent flyers should be mindful of reported hardware inconsistencies.

The Hikolayae Hardside Spinner Set is an appealing budget option with lightweight ABS construction, 360-degree spinners, and a built-in TSA lock we found convenient in our testing. However, our experience shows recurring durability problems—customers reported wheels breaking and zippers failing, and the set’s non-expandable design limits packing flexibility on longer trips. Given its low $79.99 price but a modest 5.5/10 score, it’s best for occasional travelers who need an inexpensive, secure hardside solution but shouldn’t expect rugged longevity.

If you’re chasing value, this 3‑piece hardshell set keeps costs and weight low, and in our testing the 360° spinners and TSA lock made airport sprints simple. Its 5.5/10 score reflects trade-offs: durability concerns around zippers and wheels, inconsistent marketplace quality control, and an ivory finish that shows scuffs quickly. For occasional road trips or light packing, it’ll do the job. Frequent flyers should step up to budget standouts like the Austin Set (6.5/10) or Rockland Safari (6/10).

The Austin 4 Piece Luggage Set delivers surprising style and value at $89.99 — in our testing its smooth-rolling spinner wheels made navigating crowded terminals effortless and the ABS hardshell flexed back into shape after bumps. We found the shiny micro-diamond finish helps mask minor abrasion, but during our review reports of wheel durability and overall sturdiness after extended use lowered our confidence. Scoring 6.5/10, this colorful set is a practical budget pick for occasional travelers, though frequent flyers should be cautious about long-term resilience.

For frequent flyers, the Travelpro Crew Classic set earned an 8.5/10 and is a top-rated pick. In our testing, self-aligning MagnaTrac spinner wheels glided effortlessly, the removable compression packing organizer kept outfits crisp, and the expandable softside design with TSA locks proved versatile—plus it’s backed by a lifetime warranty with a 3-year Trusted Companion Promise and 100-day trial. The fabric and brown trim can show scuffs, some handle seams feel rough, and it may tip if the front pocket is overloaded. Consider darker shades like Black or Titanium Grey.

If you need an ultra-light, budget-friendly softside set, the Simultaneous Spinner Set is worth a look — it scored a 6/10 in our roundup. In our testing its lightweight construction made airport lifts and checked-bag weight limits much easier to manage, and the spinner wheels plus expandable profile add real packing flexibility; the included TSA lock is a nice touch. However, we found durability concerns in real-world use, so while it’s affordable at $229.99 it may not hold up for heavy travelers. Consider it a good option for occasional trips rather than daily use.

Style-forward travelers will appreciate BÉIS’s Luggage Starter Set, which scored 7.5/10 during our review for its durable polycarbonate shell, 360° spinner wheels, and built-in TSA locks. The carry-on and check-in are expandable for extra capacity, though our experience shows the beige finish scuffs more easily and the pair feels heavy when packed together. If you’re worried about marks, choose darker colors like Black or Olive. It’s a well-rounded bundle, but returns have been hit-or-miss compared with our smoother experiences on higher-scoring sets like Travelpro’s Crew Classic (8.5/10).

If you want something easy to wheel through airports, the Pivot 3 Piece Set by Samsonite delivers a notably lightweight hardside build and smooth spinner mobility that we found effortless in our testing. It’s expandable and includes a TSA lock for peace of mind, but during our review the limited internal pockets made organizing toiletries and small items a chore. The telescoping handle locks into a single position which may not suit every traveler’s posture, so while it scored a middling 6.5/10 it’s a decent budget-conscious pick for style and maneuverability.

The Delsey St Tropez 2-piece set hits a sweet spot: lightweight polycarbonate, remarkably smooth dual-density spinners, and an expandable design that, in our testing, made packing and rolling a breeze. Its 8/10 score is backed by thoughtful touches like a removable, machine-washable lining and integrated locks. Trade-offs include zippers that can feel stiff and occasional wheel/handle failures with heavy use, plus typical hardshell scuffing. For most travelers, it’s a smarter long-term buy than Swissgear (7/10) or bargain sets (<=6.5/10).

The Novaire 2 Piece Set by Samsonite impressed us with Bayer Makrolon® polycarbonate and a textured shell that hides scratches well while the four 360-degree spinners make rolling almost effortless in our testing. During our review we noticed the set isn’t expandable and the carry-on is on the smaller side, which reduces its packing flexibility for longer trips. Priced at $384.99 and scoring a 7/10, it’s a solid, premium-feeling option if you value impact resistance and refined materials over extra capacity.

This Samsonite 3 Piece Set delivers a lightweight hardside option with smooth-rolling wheels and three sizes that we found versatile for weekend jaunts or longer trips during our review. While the spinner action is pleasant and the TSA lock adds security, our experience shows the shell can dent under pressure and some users report wheels sticking or a flimsy handle mechanism, which impacts long-term reliability. Scoring 6.5/10 at $149.99, it’s a practical mid-range pick if you want lightweight mobility but should be handled carefully to avoid hardware issues.

Looking for an affordable TSA lock that just works? The Master Lock 4689T 2-pack earned a 6.5/10 in our testing—while not the highest scorer, its sturdy metal body, shrouded shackle, and bright colors (blue, pink, purple, or silver) make spotting your bag easier at claim. The keyed design lets agents inspect and relock without damage, though we found the key mechanism a bit stiff and the bulk noticeable on smaller zipper pulls. It’s a budget-friendly, secure pick, but check shackle fit and consider weight if you’re counting ounces.