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Nov 11, 2024

The Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. T+L editors tested 43 pieces of Samsonite luggage to recommend the very best

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

T+L editors tested 43 pieces of Samsonite luggage to recommend the very best suitcases and bags.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Samsonite has been manufacturing quality suitcases since 1910 as one of the most trusted luggage brands in the travel industry, and it’s one of the oldest luggage brands, too. From carry-ons to backpacks, Samsonite makes a variety of luggage for any type of traveler.

After dozens of luggage tests — including a Samsonite-specific lab test — our Travel + Leisure editors evaluated 43 pieces of Samsonite luggage like carry-ons, checked bags, backpacks, duffels, and weekender bags, evaluating each one. We packed the bags full to check capacity, rolled the bags through obstacle courses to test maneuverability, lifted them into overhead bins on our airplane set to see how portable they are, and hit them with baseball bats to check durability. Thirteen bags made it on our list of top Samsonite luggage pieces — keep reading to see what our editors love most about each bag.

The wheels roll smoothly and the exterior is lightweight yet durable.

We wish there were a few more interior pockets.

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on is the best carry-on we’ve ever tried, sweeping every testing category with positive feedback. In order to make sure we still adored the bag as much as we did when we originally tried it out two years ago, we recently retested it a second time in our lab and found that we were just as impressed. During our durability tests, the impact-resistant plastic exterior proved to be exceptionally durable after we hit it with a metal baseball bat several times and saw zero signs of scuffing or denting. We love the simple design of the exterior, and there is a TSA-approved lock on the side that’s easy to use. The interior has several pockets and compression straps, but we would have liked to see one or two more pockets for additional organization.

We were able to fit enough clothes for a four-day trip without having to use the helpful expandable zippers, and even when it was packed full, the wheels rolled easily and the sturdy handle was comfortable to grip. "The wheels glide like a dream," T+L editor Taylor Fox says. "They're really smooth and went over the curb without a problem, back and forth. The 360-degree wheels also worked well around all of the obstacles."

After six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, other than the occasional scuff we can remove with our fingers. We think this is a great bag for frequent fliers who value durability and a fair price.

The Details: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polypropylene | 4 dual spinner wheels

This large suitcase is lightweight but very durable.

The exterior might get scratched over time.

Our reigning champion for the best checked bag we tried, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage wowed us during testing in every category. The exterior is made with a lightweight polycarbonate material, but the outside didn't get dented or damaged at all after we threw it and hit it with a baseball bat multiple times. However, when we traveled with the bag over the course of three months, the corners scuffed up pretty quickly, so you can expect some scratches when you check it.

We were able to fit outfits and shoes for nearly a week of traveling, and we love the compression straps and dividers on the inside compartments that secure the clothing once it’s packed, and you can expand it if you need more room. We think this is the perfect checked bag for maneuvering busy airports or streets because the wheels work so well that you can push the suitcase in an upright position or pull it behind you without struggling. During real-world testing, we found that it was easy to maneuver thanks to the lightweight shell, which we appreciate in a fairly large bag.

The Details: 31 x 20 x 12.75 inches | 11.5 pounds | Expandable (1.5 inches) | Polycarbonate | 4 spinner wheels

It can fit enough clothes for a two-day trip, and it’s easy to maneuver around obstacles.

The bag fits under an airplane seat, but it’s a tight squeeze.

If you’re flying an airline with strict luggage restrictions or traveling for a quick business trip, a piece of underseat luggage like this one is convenient and functional. We were able to fit enough clothes for a two-day trip between the main compartment, the front zippered pocket, and the two side pockets. Plus, there is a USB charging port on the side of the bag so you can easily charge your device in an airport.

During our tests for maneuverability, we wheeled the bag around cones set up as an obstacle course, and we were impressed with how smoothly the wheels rolled and turned around tight corners. The extendable handles are incredibly sturdy so you would be able to transition to different types of flooring or onto elevators, escalators, or stairs seamlessly. While it took an extra push to get the suitcase under an airplane seat, it was able to fit without too much effort. Of all the smart luggage we tested, this was our favorite underseater.

The Details: 16.5 x 13.8 x 9 inches | 5.6 pounds | USB port | Polyester | 4 spinner wheels

Samsonite dropped it 130,000 feet from space without any damage.

At $500, it's one of the priciest suitcases on this list.

Samsonite bags are known for their durability, and this carry-on is one of the most durable we've ever tested — plus, it's impressively lightweight, clocking in at just 4.7 pounds. Even after we beat it with a baseball bat, jumped up and down on it, and tried to scuff it with the heels of our shoes, the carry-on didn't show even the slightest bit of damage. Samsonite literally dropped it 130,000 feet from space, and it came out virtually unscathed, so it should be able to handle anything — or any rough baggage handler — that comes its way.

The suitcase is expandable, though only by half an inch, but we were able to fit about a week's worth of clothing inside, including two pairs of shoes, two sweaters, three pairs of pants, four tops, a blazer, a sweater dress, two pairs of pajamas, a toiletry bag, and undergarments. Inside, you’ll find two fully zippered halves: one side has a mesh zippered pocket, while the opposite side has an X-strap. During our tests, the wheels glided smoothly on different types of surfaces. There's also an exterior integrated USB port and TSA-approved locks.

"At $500, this is an expensive suitcase, but the durable material more than makes up for it," says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. "Cheaper carry-ons made of the nonflexible, matte or high gloss polypropylene will get scuffed and dinged up much more easily than this very lightweight, textured material that I was unable to scratch, dent, or mark, despite my best efforts."

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable (0.5 inches) | USB port | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels

This spacious checked bag can stand up to rough handling while still being flexible enough to pack extra items in.

We wish the interior had more organizational features.

The larger counterpart to the Proxis carry-on above, this Proxis Medium Spinner proved just as durable in our lab tests (though Samsonite didn't drop this one from space). The hardside shell is made with Roxkin, a multilayered material designed by the brand that promises to be flexible and durable. We found that it holds up to this promise, as we saw no signs of damage after hitting it with a baseball bat repeatedly.

"What's great about this bag is that although it's a hardside, the outer shell has a lot of give to it which helped it stand up to the bat test way better than other bags I tested," explains senior editor Jasmine Grant. "This will definitely come in handy when your luggage is recklessly getting tossed around through baggage claim." The bag also has a chic design that Grant loved, remarking that the suitcase was an "absolute stunner" thanks to the unique texture.

In addition to its durability, this bag is incredibly lightweight for a checked suitcase, coming in at just 6.9 pounds. There is also plenty of room for packing, due to the thin mesh lining sewn close to the shell, as opposed to the billowy nylon you see in most suitcases. This means there isn't an inch of space wasted, so we were able to fit our entire packing list with room to spare, though we'd add more pockets and zippers if we could. Everything worked smoothly during testing, from the wheels to the zippers. We think this is a great option from Samsonite for anyone who values durability.

The Details: 27.2 x 18.9 x 11.4 inches | 6.9 pounds | Roxkin outer shell | 4 dual spinner wheels

It's expandable and doesn't weigh much, at just over 5 pounds.

It lacks internal organizational features and could experience external cosmetic damage over time.

Weighing just over 5 pounds, this carry-on suitcase is among the lightest we've tested at a more affordable price point than the Proxis. It features expandable sides for an extra inch of depth, TSA-approved locks, a USB port, and an ergonomic handle with four height settings. The suitcase opens evenly like a clamshell and has a mesh panel on each side. While we were able to pack a week's worth of clothes inside, the carry-on's lack of organizational pockets made it difficult to store smaller items like socks and underwear.

The suitcase's zippers ran smoothly and didn't snag at all, and its four dual spinner wheels glided like butter on all surfaces, including on concrete and carpet. It overall survived a couple of rounds with our trusty baseball bat, but we did notice some minor scuffs and nicks on its polycarbonate exterior. While these were easily buffed out with our fingers, the suitcase could experience some cosmetic damage over time.

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 5.07 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polycarbonate | USB port | 4 dual spinner wheels

This hardside checked suitcase is surprisingly lighter than many carry-ons and offers plenty of packing space.

The price point is on the higher end, and it's not expandable.

Samsonite has updated this Cosmolite suitcase to be more lightweight than ever before, and it showed as soon as we lifted the bag, which weighs under 6 pounds. “This is an incredibly lightweight suitcase, lighter than many carry-on bags even,” says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. It’s so light that Parker was concerned that it wouldn’t be durable enough to sustain our rigorous testing process, and yet, the Cosmolite came out unscathed after baseball bat hits. Despite the bag’s larger size, which could easily fit a week’s (or more) worth of clothing and items, it was surprisingly nimble to roll on different types on terrain — rolling smoothly on two or four wheels. We also liked the T-shaped handle, which Parker felt was more comfortable to hold than a traditional checked-luggage handle. And while this suitcase clocks in as one of the most expensive on this list, its durability, roominess, and, of course, lightness are reasons enough to splurge.

During our three-month real-world testing period, we took this suitcase on a five-day trip to the Bahamas. It held enough for two adults and one child, and although it was fully packed, we didn't run into any weight limit issues. We have mixed feelings about zero expandability with this bag — on the one hand, it prevented us from overpacking on the way over, but on the other, we like being able throw a few more things in our suitcase if needed. This may come down to personal preference, though.

The Details: 29.5 x 20.1 x 12.2 inches | 5.8 pounds | Polypropylene | 4 spinner wheels

This softside carry-on has tons of pockets and organizational features that make packing easy.

The handle has many different height options, but they're so close together that it was difficult to adjust.

The Samsonite Elevation Plus Global Carry-on Spinner is one of our favorite softside suitcase for its interesting design and how durable it felt. Softside bags offer more flexibility when packing because even if they're not expandable, the material has more give if you need to overstuff it. This bag has plenty of organizational features, including two large zipper pockets on the outside, a wet pouch, a laundry bag, a built-in AirTag pocket, and a removable pocket panel that you can snap on or off. You can adjust the handle with multiple 1-inch increments; we counted seven different height levels in total, but they were so close together that it was a bit difficult to adjust. After using this bag for three months, we noticed how lightweight it felt and how easy it was to lift into overhead bins and roll around the airport. At the moment, it's only available in one navy blue color.

The Details: 22.5 x 14 x 9 inches | 6.7 pounds | Recyclex polyethylene terephthalate | 4 dual spinner wheels

The trunk latches are secure, sleek, and stylish.

It's a compact carry-on without expandable features.

When zippers break on luggage, it's usually game over. With latches, you'll never have to worry about a snagged or broken zipper ever again, so we love the Tru-frame Carry-on. According to our testing editor Jackie Cucco, the polycarbonate material proved to be especially durable during testing when the shell and the latches were not phased after she hit it with a baseball bat or tossed it off a table. Our packing list had a variety of clothing items on it, but we were only able to fit about half of the packing list inside the carry-on, which included several tops, one pair of pants, undergarments, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry case.

While we couldn't fit everything on the list, Cucco noted that the various pockets and compression flap helped with maximizing the space. Because of the compact size, we found that the suitcase is easy to roll around obstacles and over rough surfaces like carpet and stones. After testing wrapped, we determined that the suitcase is best suited for shorter trips, meticulous packers, or as a supplement to a larger checked bag due to the smaller capacity, but we still love it for how portable it is when you are looking for something light. After traveling with it for three months, our thoughts remained the same: it's a compact carry-on, but it does the job if you don't need a lot of space.

The Details: 22.6 x 15.3 x 9.7 inches | 7.5 pounds | Polycarbonate Roxkin | 4 dual spinner wheels

Unzip the expander to add an additional 2 inches of space to this checked suitcase, giving you plenty of room to pack.

The wheels have a bit of a delay when making sharp turns.

Though many Samsonite suitcases on this list have an expandable zipper, this checked bag offers the largest expansion, increasing the depth of the bag by 2 inches instead of the typical 1 inch. We thought it was an incredibly spacious suitcase, with multiple interior and exterior pockets and a divider that all help with organization. It also has a built-in AirTag holder and a wet pocket to store toiletries.

We thought the bag felt light for its size and found it relatively easy to push and pull the luggage through our obstacle course, though the wheels delayed a little when we tried to maneuver the bag through cones at different angles. However, the weight felt evenly distributed, and the wheels performed well when we rolled the bag over different types of terrain. The softside material also held up well to baseball bat hits and even when we've checked this bag in real life during our long-term testing period. We think it's a great option if you're looking for an expandable, softside, checked bag.

The Details: 29.8 x 20 x 11.5 inches | 10 pounds | Expandable (2 inches) | Recyclex polyethylene terephthalate | 4 dual spinner wheels

The backpack is already quite spacious, and it has an expandable zipper.

We wish the zipper wrapped all the way down both sides of the pack, not just one.

I have high standards when it comes to backpacks, and this one hit it out of the park for me in the lab when I personally tested it. I was able to pack everyday essentials like a laptop, water bottle, and an extra jacket, and once I discovered the expandable zipper, I added a pair of pants and several shirts. The capacity is sneakily large, which is ideal for various types of trips when you may need more or fewer items — or if you buy one too many souvenirs to fit in your carry-on.

Lined with thick padding in the back and on the shoulder straps, the backpack is comfortable to carry around, and it has excellent portability since it can fit underneath an airplane seat. The recycled polyester material didn't get damaged during our durability tests, so I expect this bag to last a long time, which only adds to the value. The only thing that could make this bag better is if the zipper went down both sides of the bag (not just one) to be able to pack easier, but otherwise, the bag got a perfect score (quite a rarity for me).

We also tested this bag on a trip to Italy during our three-month real-world period and continued to be impressed with its size and durability. It fit all the essentials for a day out without being too bulky or awkward to carry.

The Details: 17.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | Expandable (1.5 inches) | Laptop pouch | Recycled polyester

The nylon material is superdurable and can withstand rough handling.

It fits in an overhead bin but not quite underneath an airplane seat.

If you're traveling on a multileg trip, a carry-on duffel like this one might be the best option for portability purposes. The size is perfect for replacing a carry-on suitcase since it has a spacious capacity and plenty of storage solutions to stay organized on the go, plus special features like an AirTag holder and a wide trolley sleeve. We thought the handles were comfortable to use when the duffel was packed to the brim, even when it can get a little heavy.

The durable nylon material didn't get scratched, scuffed, or damaged at all during our tests — even when we threw the fully packed bag off of a table multiple times — so we think it's ideal for carrying it on an airplane (although it can't fit all the way underneath an airplane seat, only in an overhead bin). During our three-month real-world testing period, we saw no signs of wear and tear after multiple uses.

The Details: 22 x 12 x 9 inches | 2.6 pounds | Expandable (3 inches) | Recycled polyester

You can either carry this bag as a duffel or wear it as a backpack.

We wish it came with a longer crossbody strap for even more ways to carry it.

Sometimes you need a bag that can do it all, and Samsonite’s Ecodiver Small Duffel comes pretty close. Thanks to removable backpack straps and top handles, you can carry it as a duffel bag or a backpack, making it ideal for weekend trips and shorter vacations. You can stow the backpack straps away when they're not in use, which allows this bag to keep its sleek, minimalist design regardless of how you use it. Made from postconsumer recycled PET outer material and black trim nylon, this bag felt durable during testing and didn't show any signs of damage after being tossed around. It's quite spacious and has plenty of compartments and pockets inside for organization. Our only complaint is that we wish it had a longer shoulder strap to make it easier to carry in duffel bag form as opposed to just the top handles. Otherwise, we think it's a solid option for travelers who want a convertible bag with great organizational features.

The Details: 21.6 x 12.2 x 9.4 inches | 2.2 pounds | Recycled PET, nylon

These Samsonite bags almost made the cut for our list of top performers but fell short during testing due to some minor inconveniences.

Samsonite Essens Carry-on Spinner: This lightweight bag is one of Samsonite's newer releases, featuring a three-point lock closing system in place of zippers. While we did find it easy to maneuver and lift, it was on the smaller side for a carry-on, and the handle kept sticking. Ultimately, we prefer the other carry-ons in our main list above.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag: We love the size of this bag as well as the durable handle for week-long trips. However, after our lab tests, the corners of the bag were already showing signs of scuffing from being dragged along the ground.

Samsonite Elevation Plus Medium Glider: This suitcase is unique with a square shape, so it can fit a ton of items, but because of the wide design, it's difficult to maneuver it.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Samsonite Hyperflex Large Spinner: It's extremely spacious, which is ideal for long trips, but the plastic feels a bit flimsy and scratched quite a bit in testing.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Samsonite Stryde 111 Carry-on Spinner: The carry-on has special features like a light on the handle and a USB port, and it includes a toiletry bag, but we expected the material to be a bit more durable with the higher price point.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Samsonite Virtuosa Expandable Carry-on: We loved how effortless stylish this suitcase was, from its matte polycarbonate material to its sleek faux-leather accents. It packed easily and its wheels rolled like a dream, but its handle got jammed when the carry-on was fully packed, which made it difficult to maneuver.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

We've conducted dozens of luggage tests in our T+L lab, trying out 43 total Samsonite bags across various tests. During testing, we evaluate each bag on traits like capacity, durability, design, maneuverability, and value.

Depending on the size of the piece of luggage, we pack each bag with items from a designated packing list to judge capacity and organization solutions like pockets, compartments, or compression straps. Suitcases and bags scoring highly for capacity and design are able to fit the perfect amount of items for the intended use of the luggage, with a functional amount of pockets and storage solutions throughout the bag.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Arguably the most fun part of testing is our durability portion, in which we throw each bag off of a ladder or tabletop, and then whack each suitcase with a baseball bat several times. Top-performing luggage shows little-to-no signs of damage after the tests, leading us to believe that the bag would have a long lifespan for travelers. We also set up obstacle courses with cones, carpets, and gravel to simulate different types of obstacles a traveler could encounter with a suitcase or bag. Our favorite pieces of luggage for maneuverability are easy to push, pull, or carry through the course and over a variety of surfaces thanks to a sturdy handle and tough wheels.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

After we test each bag in the lab, we send it home with an editor to test during their real travels, taking notes on how it performs over the course of three to six months. We will continue to update this article with new results, especially as we test new models of bags.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the type of material a suitcase is made with, and it’s ultimately up to personal preferences. Softside luggage might hide scuffs or scratches better than hardside luggage, but if you spill something or the fabric gets wet, it could be harder to clean. On the other hand, hardside luggage can easily repel water or stains, but you might encounter more scuff marks from baggage handling and perhaps even some dents. Softside luggage is also more flexible if you end up overpacking more than you thought you would, while hardside shells are more rigid.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A luggage set can be the most cost-effective route if you’re looking to upgrade all of your luggage or if you want all of your luggage pieces to match. However, multiple suitcases can be harder to store, especially if you live in a smaller space. If you’re interested in trying multiple different brands of luggage, mixing and matching suitcases could be the better option for variety.

Whether you’re an underpacker or overpacker, be sure to consider the type of trip you’re taking since a carry-on or a weekender bag might be better for a short trip versus a checked suitcase or a large duffel bag that’s better suited for longer trips. And, if you like to be extra organized while traveling, opt for a suitcase with plenty of storage solutions like pockets and other compartments for separating your items.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Samsonite luggage is sold by a variety of retailers including Kohl’s, Amazon, Macy’s, Walmart, Bloomingdales, JCPenney, and directly from the Samsonite website. However, if you’re looking to scoop a suitcase for a discounted price, Amazon, Macy’s, and JCPenney usually have year-round deals on select Samsonite luggage pieces.

It is always best practice to check the return and warranty policies of the company you’re buying from, whether it’s Samsonite or another retailer like Amazon. Sometimes the warranties are only valid if you purchase directly through the luggage company instead of through third-party sellers (which can include Amazon sellers), and you will likely need to show proof of purchase so keep your receipt.

Samsonite offers limited three-year, five-year, and 10-year warranties, as well as lifetime warranties on most of its products. While these warranties cover manufacturing defects, they do not cover damages due to misuse, cosmetic damages (including scuffs, dents, and stains), or if your suitcase breaks while traveling with it — that's what travel insurance is for.

Samsonite offers returns and refunds on items that have not been used within 90 days of the original shipped date, minus any shipping and handling fees. The brand also does not accept any exchanges — you must first return your item(s) and then place a new order. That’s why it’s important to never travel with your item before you are completely sure that you want to keep it. We recommend lightly testing your suitcase's wheels, zippers, and other special features at home prior to your trip to ensure that they're functional and suit your needs.

It depends on how often you travel, what kind of transportation you take, and your organizational preferences. If you’re a light packer, opt for a carry-on or underseater, whereas overpackers should consider getting a checked bag with plenty of storage solutions to optimize space. For weekend getaways, stick with a duffel bag or a carry-on backpack so you don’t have to lug a suitcase around.

Anna Popp is an associate editor at T+L, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021 and has personally tested more than 100 pieces of luggage. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best Samsonite luggage based on a series of tests completed by the T+L team in our New York City lab.

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