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Nov 08, 2024

We tested Temu luggage — is it worth buying? | CNN Underscored

Between TV commercials and endless social media ads, it’s hard not to know about Temu. The China-based online marketplace is home to seemingly endless deals on everything from clothing to electronics

Between TV commercials and endless social media ads, it’s hard not to know about Temu. The China-based online marketplace is home to seemingly endless deals on everything from clothing to electronics and, of course, suitcases.

Many of these suitcases look similar to what you’d find at your local discount store. Think brandless plastic luggage of questionable quality. But if you look closer at Temu’s luggage section, you’ll find there are some interesting products, like metal carry-ons. And almost all of the luggage at Temu is under $100 … so why not give it a shot?

I bought three suitcases from Temu — one plastic carry-on, a plastic checked bag and a metal carry-on — and tested them when traveling this fall. Here’s my review of Temu luggage and whether or not you should buy Temu luggage for yourself.

This suitcase is suitable for two- to four-day trips, depending on how light you pack. But despite its super-low price tag, I don't recommend buying it. The wheels are almost unusable and the trolley handle is flimsy.

This is by far the least expensive carry-on luggage I’ve ever tested. While it’s a hair under $40 right now, I bought it for less than $25 on sale earlier this year. But even at this price point, tread lightly.

At first glance, it looks like a perfectly fine suitcase. The shell is stylish and lightweight. There’s a built-in lock, but it isn’t TSA-complaint, so don’t check it locked. The interior is divided into two parts: a zippered pocket and a side that clips shut. It can comfortably fit two to four days’ worth of clothing, depending on how light you pack.

But that’s where the pros ends. When you actually go to use the bag, you’ll notice the handle feels extremely cheap. It’s loud when you extend it and jiggles when you move the bag around. But the real kicker is the wheels. They don’t spin smoothly and make walking through an airport extremely cumbersome.

So, while this suitcase is cheap, you get what you pay for. Instead, I’d recommend something like the American Tourister Stratum 2.0, which is roughly $90 on Amazon but has much better wheels and a trolley handle.

This checked luggage is a decent pick for under $50. Its wheels roll smoothly, and the 28-inch option should fit enough clothes for a two-week or longer trip. That said, the construction doesn't feel sturdy enough to withstand frequent travel, especially when compared to higher-end bags.

There’s not much to say about this plastic checked luggage from Temu. It’s built much better than the plastic carry-on with a thicker exterior, with a sturdier trolley handle and wheels that actually roll smoothly. Inside, you’ll find equal-sized zippered and clasped compartments with plenty of room to pack for a two-week trip. I reviewed the 28-inch version, but smaller options are available too.

That said, I don’t think this bag will withstand frequent travel. Checked bags go through a lot at the airport, from conveyor belts to sometimes heavy-handed baggage handlers that whip bags onto the plane. Namely, I’m worried about the wheels since they don’t feel very securely connected to the bag, especially when compared to higher-end checked bags.

If you only need a checked bag for one or two trips, this should fit the bill for $49. But if you want a bag that you can use for years to come, consider paying more for something like the Samsonite Freeform Spinner. It’s more expensive at $168, but it’s made from higher-quality materials and backed by Samsonite’s 10-year global warranty.

This aluminum suitcase is a great deal at under $200. It has a stylish exterior that looks similar to pricey Rimowa luggage, and its trolley handle, wheels and interior components feel solid and didn't give me any issues when testing the bag.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Temu luggage. I was pleasantly surprised with this metal checked bag from Temu for the price. It feels sturdy with an aluminum-magnesium shell that has withstood two trips as a carry-on bag without showing any signs of damage. It looks great with its Rimowa-esque shell too.

Unlike the plastic carry-on, this bag’s wheels spin smoothly, and it’s easy to maneuver around the airport. The trolley handle is good too; it has a little wiggle room, but it doesn’t affect the ability to use the suitcase. It also has two TSA-compliant combination clasp locks on the side of the bag.

My favorite part about the suitcase, however, is the interior. It has two equal-sized compartments with compression straps and zippered document folders. This lets you maximize your packing space, and I suspect you can use this for a five-day trip if you pack lightly and efficiently.

All things considered, I think this bag is a great deal for under $200. It’s built well and looks great, and it’s one I’ll keep using on trips where I don’t want to take a higher-end carry-on bag with me.

I didn’t review every piece of Temu luggage, so I can’t give you a definitive answer, but based on the luggage I tried, I find it hard to recommend most Temu luggage. The plastic carry-on was unusable, and while the plastic checked bag was OK, I don’t think either would survive more than two or three trips. Sure, you’ll save money over a more premium bag, but you’ll end up spending more needing to replace the Temu bags.

That said, the aluminum suitcase is great for the frequent traveler. It looks sharp, the metal exterior should be OK if you don’t check your bag and the wheels are buttery smooth. I think this is the bag to get if you’re looking for a sub-$200 metal suitcase.

Another consideration is shipping time. Don’t buy a Temu bag if you need it for a trip that’s coming up in the next few weeks. Some bags are shipped from a local warehouse in the US — and the website will tell you this — but many are shipped from Asia by boat and could take over a month to be delivered. This was the case with the aluminum suitcase I ordered.

All that to say it’s hard to know what you’re getting when you buy a suitcase from Temu. You could get a great bag like the aluminum carry-on or something completely unusable like the plastic carry-on I reviewed. My advice is to do your research and tread lightly.

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Andrew Kunesh is CNN Underscored's senior travel and money editor, covering everything from airline and hotel loyalty programs to travel credit cards and the best luggage. When he's not on the road, Kunesh is based in New York City and loves trying new restaurants and bars.