Hardside Luggage Is Already Durable, But Our Experts Say These Are the Best

EstebanTravel2025-07-089160

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With each trip you take, your luggage is put to the ultimate test — first pulling it from the depths of your closet, then stuffing it with your vacation clothes, throwing it in the trunk, rolling it across the airport conveyor belt and finally shoving it into the carry-on luggage compartment. And who knows what actually happens to your suitcase when you bring checked luggage and leave it at the check-in counter instead? To keep your belongings a little safer while you're traveling, consider opting for a suitcase with a hard shell made of durable plastic or metal.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we evaluate all kinds of popular luggage in the Textiles Lab, analyzing them for factors like durability, water resistance and ease of use. Plus, we share them with consumer testers who take them on their own trips and share real-world feedback. Over the years, we've tested suitcases from more than 100 brands to find the best hardside luggage on the market. We've compiled a list of picks, including lightweight and durable options, as well as hard-shell luggage with unique features that we think are worth considering.

Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner

Samsonite's high-quality luggage has consistently performed well in our tests over the years, particularly in terms of durability during drop tests and ease of use. The brand's Freeform hardside suitcase is a favorite of our consumer testers, who agree that its wheels roll smoothly and that the bag is easy to maneuver around twists and turns. It also received perfect scores in Lab tests for being a breeze to open and close.

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Inside, a zippered panel and an adjustable cross strap keep your belongings in place, and we were able to fit our entire packing load in the bag with room to spare. Our consumer testers noted that the carrying handles are on the smaller side, but they still found the bag easy to pick up. There are three different sizes to choose from, or you can opt for a set including a carry-on and a checked bag for a cohesive look.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces

Samsonite

$169.99 at amazon.com

Philip Friedman

21-Inch Hardside Spinner

With more than 38,000 five-star reviews and a 4.4-star average rating, Amazon Basics' hardside luggage is a favorite of real users and GH analysts alike. When we tested this bag in our Textiles Lab, we found it to be spacious, and it received perfect scores for easy packing. Online reviewers agreed, saying that they can fill the suitcase with more than enough clothing and essentials for their trips.

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The suitcase is made from ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as some other hard materials, but it is lightweight and helps keep the price low. Testers appreciated the luggage's wheel performance, sharing that the bag is easy to maneuver. However, they weren't as impressed with the telescopic handle, explaining that it felt flimsier than other models they had tried. This suitcase comes in three different sizes and is available in two and three-piece sets for an even better value.

Amazon Basics

$51.99 at amazon.com

Philip Friedman

The Carry-On

Several of our Lab experts have been using luggage from the uber-popular brand Away for years and have found it to stand the test of time. This pick is made of polycarbonate material, which makes it both lightweight and durable. During Lab evaluations, we put its durability to the test and dropped the suitcase repeatedly from a set 3-foot height, noting no major signs of damage or prominent scuffing.

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Our consumer testers found that the wheels on Away suitcases rolled smoothly and were easy to maneuver, but noted that the telescopic handle isn't as sturdy as some other styles. In our packing tests, we were impressed by the compressive panels designed to keep your belongings in place and by the hidden laundry bag, which allows you to separate your dirty clothes. If you're unsure about splurging on a carry-on bag, Away offers a 100-day return policy for unused items.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Away Carry-On

Away

$275.00 at awaytravel.com

Philip Friedman

Carry-On

July's Classic hardside luggage has a simple yet sophisticated look, thanks to its smooth polycarbonate material with monochrome aluminum corners and real leather details. While it scuffed more than some other suitcases in our drop tests, the suitcase earned high scores overall for durability. The chic carry-on bag has a butterfly opening with one zipper-enclosed side and one side with a compression panel and adjustable Y-strap to secure your belongings.

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The telescopic handle features a unique, contoured grip for added comfort, and it locks into place at 20 different heights. One at-home tester commented, "I've tested many, many suitcases, but I've never used luggage that glided as smoothly as July's through an airport." Our in-Lab obstacle course testers agreed, rating July's bags highly for their ease of use and smooth-rolling wheels, which barely make a sound as they roll over different surfaces.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: July Luggage

July

$295.00 at july.com

july

Ambeur Collection 3-Piece Luggage Set

For luggage that's equally as fashionable as it is functional, Calpak's Ambeur suitcases are a must-have. The hard-shell bags are made with a blend of ABS plastic and polycarbonate that's both lightweight and durable; however, we did find that the metallic colors scuffed easily. In Lab evaluations, the luggage was dubbed our "tester favorite" because consumer testers were so wowed by the design and overall ease of use.

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The telescopic handles aced our tests, with one tester noting that they were the "smoothest handle by far" among all the bags tested. Other testers agreed, explaining that the padded handles were comfortable to lift, pull and push. Plus, the Ambeur luggage earned high scores in our packing tests.

If you don't need a set of three bags, you can opt for a two-piece set or select from any of the five available styles.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Calpak Luggage

Calpak

$494.99 at calpaktravel.com

Philip Friedman

Carry-On

Monos's less-is-more approach to design results in a sleek, timeless look that our testers loved. The durable polycarbonate luggage may have a simple appearance, but it doesn't skimp on quality or useful packing features. Inside, you'll find two spacious compartments: one zipper-enclosed compartment and one with an adjustable compression panel. There are also additional zippered pockets inside for even more organized storage space.

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The bag aced durability tests, resisting major dents and damages after being dropped repeatedly from a 3-foot height, but it did show some signs of wear in our scratch tests. When testers tried it in our luggage obstacle course, they were impressed by how easily the bag maneuvered and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled around twists and turns. Monos offers luggage sets for an even better value, along with a generous 100-day return policy.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Monos Luggage

Monos

$275.00 at monos.com

Philip Friedman

Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

Known for its luggage made by pilots for pilots and frequent flyers alike, Travelpro primarily offers softside luggage, but the brand does have a few hardside pieces, including the featured Maxlite Spinner. This bag features a spacious luggage compartment with two zippered panels, and it can be expanded by 2 inches, providing extra room for all your souvenirs on the way home.

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In our Lab tests, Travelpro bags were easy to fill with a full load of clothing and travel gear like toiletries and shoes. They also performed well and earned high durability ratings. Testers loved the cushioned telescopic handles, which lock at two different heights. We did find the carrying handles to be on the tighter side, which can make the bag difficult to lift into an overhead bin.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Travelpro Luggage

Travelpro

$144.49 at amazon.com

Cabin S Carry-On

Rimowa only makes hardside luggage, and it's a cutting-edge brand that continues to impress our Textiles Lab experts. The Original line is made with aluminum, which is more durable than other hard materials, such as ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This style of suitcase features the brand's iconic grooved design and has a zipperless closure, opting for locking latches instead — TSA-approved, of course.

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The bag unfolds to reveal two primary spacious packing compartments and two adjustable compression panels to keep everything securely in place. Rimowa's suitcases are significantly more expensive than those of other brands, but they are among the best in our tests, earning high ratings for packing space, durability and maneuverability.

Rimowa

$1375.00 at Rimowa

Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner

This innovative suitcase from Briggs & Riley is full of features to make packing for an international trip easier. On the outside of the hardside suitcase is an easy-access pocket for your phone and ID. The bag unzips into one large packing space that's fully lined and contains three zip pockets for easy organization.

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The bag utilizes Briggs & Riley's unique expansion system, which allows you to expand the bag for additional packing space and then compress it to its standard size once the bag has been filled, with just the push of a button. Our testers recently tried a softside bag from the brand with the same system and were blown away by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more room than expected.

When we tested Briggs & Riley's hardside suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they performed well, receiving high scores for durability, water resistance and ease of use. Testers also shared that the brand's bags were easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and said the telescopic handles were sturdy. Although we didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers have shared that the zipper pulls are prone to breaking with regular use.

Briggs & Riley

$649.00 at briggs-riley.com

Other hardside luggage we evaluated

We've tested more than 100 suitcases in recent years. Here are a few others we've evaluated that weren't featured but are still worth considering:

Beis Carry-On Roller: With convenient features like a weight indicator, a bag-attach strap and a super-padded telescopic handle, this carry-on suitcase from Beis is popular online, but it scuffs easily and wasn't as durable as other bags we tested.

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0: It's chic with faux-leather details and wheels that glide effortlessly, but the carry-on bag is on the smaller side and doesn't expand. Our testers said they had to push its packing capacity to the limit — even on shorter trips.

Herschel Hardshell Carry On: This simple suitcase from Herschel aced our packing tests, but the telescopic handle and wheels just aren't up to par with other popular carry-on bags.

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How we test luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test luggage using specialized equipment in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers. When we review luggage, we consider these factors:

✔️ Size and weight: In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate. We place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to see if they meet standard airline size restrictions.

✔️ Extra features: We make note of any additional features or components that make the luggage stand out, like carrying handles, built-in locks and telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.

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✔️ Ease of use: We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip each piece of luggage (pictured here) and consider the accessibility of any packing compartments. We also consider features like telescopic handles and wheels.

LEXIE SACHS

✔️ Packing: We fill each bag with a standard packing load for a short trip including clothing, accessories and toiletries (pictured here) and then score the suitcases based on how much they're able to hold.

Jillian Sollazzo

✔️ Drop testing: Each piece of luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from a 3-foot height from different angles to mimic real use (pictured here). We then analyze the luggage for signs of damage like dents or cracks.

Jillian Sollazzo

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers take part in our obstacle course that involves rolling the bags over different surfaces like carpet, tile and wood flooring (pictured here), lifting the bags, maneuvering the bags around cones and more. They also share their thoughts on properties like ease of use, sturdiness of the handles and wheel performance

LEXIE SACHS

We share suitcases with testers who are able to take the bags on their own trips and provide us with real-world feedback about their experiences as well.

LEXIE SACHS

What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage

When shopping for a hard shell suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Material: Not all hardside suitcases are made from the same hard material, and the material can impact performance, weight and price. These are the most common:

Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive.

Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, resisting scratches better than ABS, but can still show signs of scuffing.

ABS is a plastic material that is more affordable and even more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it is a bit less durable and more prone to scratching.

Polypropylene is another type of plastic that is even lighter than and slightly stronger than ABS plastic. It's fairly durable and affordable as well.

A composite or mixture of polycarbonate, ABS and/or polypropylene combines aspects of each material. Most composite suitcases are made with an ABS base coated in polycarbonate material. This adds extra durability, but it still isn't quite as durable as a suitcase made of 100% polycarbonate.

✔️ Wheels: Wheels that spin 360 degrees receive the best maneuverability scores in our Lab tests and with consumer testers. These wheels allow the luggage to rotate fully and move side to side in addition to moving straight ahead.

✔️ Handles: There are two types of handles you should consider: telescopic handles and carrying handles. Telescopic handles extend from the suitcase, allowing you to push and pull the bag easily. Check to see if the handle is easy to open and close, if it can be adjusted, and if it's padded for comfort. If you're going to be lifting and lowering your bag often, make sure the side and top carrying handles are large enough for you to grip them comfortably.

✔️ Compartments: Internal compartments aren't necessary, but they can be helpful when packing and securing your belongings. Interior pockets are often made with mesh panels to allow your belongings to breathe and to help you see what's inside. There are zippered pockets to hold extra belongings and zippered panels to keep clothing separated inside the suitcase, allowing you to keep your running shoes away from your nice dress. Some hardside suitcases also come with removable compartments, such as a laundry bag to contain dirty clothes or a garment bag to hang clothing.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Luggage warranties typically only cover manufacturer defects, which can often be challenging to prove. If you're concerned about spending money on luggage you won't love, consider a brand that offers a trial period or a generous return policy, allowing you to test the bag before committing, especially if you're shopping online without being able to see it in person first.

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Is hardside luggage better than softside?

Both hardside and softside suitcases have their own advantages and disadvantages, so whether you choose hard or softside ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here are a few key differences between the two types of luggage:

Protection: Hard-shell luggage is most often made with polycarbonate or ABS plastic, which generally performs well in our Lab drop tests and keeps your belongings safe from being damaged while traveling. However, hard suitcases are prone to scuffs and scratches that can be difficult to clean. Softside suitcases are more subject to abrasion over time, and your belongings aren't encased in a sturdy shell, which can lead to damage.

Flexibility: What you see is what you get with hardside luggage. Unless the bag is equipped with zippered expansion, there isn't much wiggle room to overstuff your bag. Softside luggage is more flexible, so you can really fill it to the brim. It's also easier to compress down to pack away when not in use.

Compartments: The majority of softside suitcases unzip to one primary packing compartment and are often equipped with external pockets for easy access to essentials, such as your phone, keys, and even a laptop. On the other hand, hard-shell luggage typically features a butterfly opening, which allows the suitcase to unfold into two main packing spaces with compression panels and straps for improved organization. They tend to lack external pockets.

Weight: Hardside suitcases, especially those made of polycarbonate or ABS plastic, are typically lighter weight than softside suitcases, making them easier to hoist into an overhead bin or lug around on your trips.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She's tested luggage in the Textiles Lab, including carry-ons, duffels and travel backpacks and has shared suitcases with dozens of consumer testers for real-user feedback. She has also covered the best luggage on Amazon, checked luggage and kids' luggage.

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