The Best Luggage Sets for Every Type of Traveler

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There’s something inherently sophisticated about a true set of luggage, rather than a hodgepodge of pieces. It screams, "I’ve got it together!" and honestly makes packing a whole lot easier because the suitcases are designed for optimal organization—both during your trip and when it’s time to store them at home.

Best overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner

A top-tested, lightweight suitcase set that’s inexpensive and high quality

Best value: American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Expandable Softside Luggage

A three-piece soft-sided set that won’t break the bank

Most popular: Away Explorer Essentials Bundle

Smooth and sturdy carry-on and checked bags from one of our best-selling brands

Sleek suitcases with comfortable telescopic handles and some of the smoothest wheels we’ve tried

Best for frequent flyers: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On/Medium Check-In Set

Durable soft-sided suitcases with plenty of pockets, designed by a pilot for regular travel

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I test all kinds of luggage from popular brands, including sets of hard- and soft-sided suitcases containing checked and carry-on bags. I also share them with consumer testers who are able to try them out on their own trips before sharing real-world feedback. In recent years, my team and I have tested more than 100 styles of suitcases from over 80 brands to find the sets that not only look great on the luggage carousel but also roll smoothly, pack nicely, and are comfortable to carry.

Samsonite consistently stands out in our Lab evaluations and has wowed our consumer testers, year after year. This luggage set includes two of our top-tested suitcases from the brand’s Freeform collection—the smaller 23-inch carry-on model and the larger 31-inch checked bag. These suitcases are made of durable hard-sided material that performed well in our drop tests, resisting major damage after being released repeatedly at different angles from a set 3-foot height.

When we packed the suitcases with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes, and accessories, we were impressed by how well everything fit inside with room to spare—even without having to use the 2-inch expansion system. Plus, the luggage is very lightweight. At just 6.5 pounds, the carry-on is one of the lightest we’ve tried, and the 9.6-pound checked bag won’t eat too much into your allotted weight limit.

Consumer testers appreciated how fluid the zippers are and how easily the suitcases navigated around twists and turns. They also said the 360-degree spinner wheels were nice. A tester who tried Samsonite luggage shared, "I enjoyed how smooth the wheels are and how easy it was to maneuver."

One caveat: Some of our testers noted that the carrying handles on suitcases in this collection felt a bit tight, which made it more difficult to lift or lower the bags. However, the telescopic handles received higher scores for feeling sturdy and comfortable to use.

RELATED: The Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces

Just over $100 for three pieces at full retail price, this basic American Tourister trio is an absolute steal and one of the best affordable luggage sets out there. While the soft-sided carry-on, checked bag, and personal item may be fairly simple in design, they’re still full of practical features that make traveling easier, like plenty of external pockets, interior mesh pockets, and compression straps to secure your belongings.

The brand’s bags aren’t as durable as others we’ve tested in the Lab, so I recommend this set for someone who isn’t planning to fly frequently but still wants a coordinating set when travel comes up.

I personally used this set for nearly a decade before upgrading my luggage, and the soft-sided polyester material looked slightly worn with some fraying and scuffs, but the bags were definitely still useable after almost 10 years. The important features like the telescopic handles and zippers were in working condition when I passed the bags along to a family member.

When we evaluated other suitcases from American Tourister, testers highlighted the smooth and stable wheels, meanwhile online reviewers said they roll nicely, despite only moving forward and backward. A GH analyst who has used luggage from the brand shared, "They’re not the most luxurious suitcases out there, but they work well, and the price can’t be beat."

Not only does this two-piece luggage set from Amazon Basics have thousands of five-star reviews, but it also earned high scores in our Lab evaluations and was loved by our testers. The carry-on and checked suitcase both unfold into two main packing compartments, one with compression straps to keep your belongings in place and another with a full zippered panel for even more security.

When we packed the carry-on bag in the Lab, we fit an entire weekend’s worth of gear including clothing, shoes, and toiletries with room to spare. Plus, both of the suitcases expand for even more space.

The hard-sided suitcases are made of lightweight ABS plastic that keeps the price low, though it wasn’t as scratch-resistant as some other suitcases we tested (it had noticeable scratching in our tests). It did hold up well in our drop tests though, with no serious denting or breakage after being released repeatedly from a set 3-foot height.

When testers rolled the suitcases through our luggage obstacle course, around turns and over different surfaces from wood to carpeting, they were impressed by the wheel performance. Testers also gave the luggage high scores for maneuverability.

Originally designed by a pilot for other pilots who are always on the go, Travelpro’s luggage is the perfect pick for the frequent flyer, and I’m particularly impressed by the brand’s Platinum Elite collection. The soft-sided suitcases were some of the top performers in our durability tests, withstanding repeated dropping without dents or damage. The nylon material resisted signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth with our abrasion tester. They are heavier than many of the other bags we tested, but they are durable bags and built to last.

The suitcases are thoughtfully designed with a tapered expansion system that prevents the bags from tipping over when full. Self-aligning spinner wheels let you push and pull in all directions, and cushioned handles with contoured grips add a comfortable feel.

Our consumer testers gave luggage in this collection high scores for ease of use and highlighted the sturdiness of the telescopic handle. The bags are packed full of extras inside like expandable garment bags, toiletries bags, and hidden USB ports to charge electronic devices (power bank not included). One tester shared, "This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried." Another shared, "It helped keep me organized and made it much easier to find what I needed."

If you’re nervous about committing to the high price tag, the brand offers a 100-day return policy with free return shipping, even for used suitcases.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Travelpro Platinum Elite Collection

For luggage that looks as great as it performs, I recommend Calpak’s Ambeur two-piece luggage set, which offers the best of fashion and function. Available in several fun metallic shades that are sure to stand out at baggage claim, the bags are made of a composite of polycarbonate and ABS plastic that aced our Lab tests for durability. They also proved water-resistant in our evaluations, but did show noticeable markings after we dragged a wire across the surface during our scratch-resistance tests.

When we assessed the suitcases in the Lab, we were impressed by the zippers that opened and closed with ease. The spacious interior compartments were able to hold our entire packing load of items including clothing, shoes, and toiletries. Both the carry-on and checked bag are expandable and equipped with zippered organizational pockets, compression straps, and a removable toiletries bag. For even more organization, you can try Calpak’s top-tested packing cubes too.

The bags are GH-tester favorites and earned top marks for their performance in our luggage obstacle course, which had testers pull the suitcases over different surfaces and around sharp turns. Testers especially loved the sturdy, easy-to-use telescopic handle. One who tried luggage from the brand shared, "This suitcase was SUPER easy to roll around." Another commented, "The luggage was lightweight and sturdy. It came with great organizational [features]."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Calpak Luggage Review

Designed with simplicity in mind, this two-piece set from luggage brand Monos has a sleek, modern look that our testers loved. Both of the bags opened to reveal two spacious compartments that were able to fit our entire load of items in our packing tests. The carry-on bag features an adjustable compression panel, while the larger checked bag is equipped with compression straps and a larger fabric panel to keep everything in place. What’s more, there are plenty of organizational mesh pockets inside the bags, along with additional shoe bags and a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes.

During Textiles Lab evaluations, the durable carry-on and checked suitcase resisted major denting and damage in our drop tests. Both we and our consumer testers noticed prominent scuffing on the suitcases after use, but the brand provides a sponge for cleaning. One GH analyst said the sponge removed most of the marks on her bag.

In our luggage obstacle course, testers appreciated the smooth gliding wheels and appreciated how effortless it was to maneuver the bags around twists and turns. They also noticed how well the telescopic handles locked into place at four different heights for easy toting.

A tester who tried a carry-on from Monos shared, "I love this luggage! It is sleek, lightweight, and comes with a ton of organization." Another carry-on tester said, "The sleek design is modern and stylish, making it a pleasure to travel with. One of my favorite features is the interior organization."

Popular luggage brand Away carries sets of its best-selling bags for a better value. Shoppers can combine the bigger carry-on and the large checked bag to snag $50 off the two luggage pieces. The hard-sided suitcases are loved by testers who highlighted the streamlined look and the spacious, well-organized interior.

The bags open into two separate packing compartments with zippered mesh panels and pockets for additional space. There’s also an adjustable compression panel inside each bag so you can really stuff it full if you’re an over-packer like me. When we packed the bags in the Lab, we appreciated how smoothly the zippers opened and closed and how much we could fit inside.

The polycarbonate material is super lightweight and ultra durable. It performed well in our drop tests, remaining in great condition after being released multiple times from a set 3-foot height. In our scratch tests, the bags showed minimal scuffs and markings.

The bags received high scores for their maneuverability and smooth wheels. In a recent luggage comparison test, our testers gave an Away bag the highest scores, sharing that it was their favorite of the suitcases they tested in our obstacle course. A tester shared, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin." Another tester commented, "Away suitcases… have held up for us well over the years, nothing beats them!"

One note: Some of our consumer testers have given the telescopic handle lower ratings for feeling a bit wobbly when fully extended.

If you want to add a personal touch to your luggage set, Away offers monograms of up to three letters for an added fee.

If you’re on Instagram or TikTok, chances are that you’ve come across viral luggage brand Béis. Actress Shay Mitchell’s trendsetting travel brand offers carry-ons, checked bags, weekender bags, and more—all thoughtfully designed, with mix-and-match sets.

You can get up to 20% off your purchase of bag bundle, and you’re able to choose which pieces to include in your luggage set, so the price varies depending on your selections. This particular set is The Starter Set, which comes with the brand’s popular weekender bag and carry-on case.

The suitcases feature details like cushy padded telescopic handles, a retractable strap to hold a small bag or your travel blanket, and a built-in weight indicator to let you know if your bag exceeds 50 pounds. I’m especially a fan of the chic monochromatic color options—even the metal of the telescopic handle matches.

When we tested the brand’s suitcases in the Textiles Lab, my fellow GH analysts and I were impressed by how well the luggage withstood dents and damage after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. We did note that the material was more prone to scratches and scuffs than other luggage we tested.

One GH editor who tested out a set from Béis shared of the suitcase’s telescopic handle, "The squishy padding made rolling the suitcase through crowds far more comfortable, and it added a luxe touch compared to more expensive suitcases I’ve tried." Our editor also loved the included pouches for dirty clothes and shoes.

A tester further commented, "I like that the luggage design is sleek and the comfortable grip on the handle. I also like the separate organizational pouches and the removable pouches included."

July’s suitcases, named after the most popular month for traveling, are exceptionally designed for the accessible price point, and the Australian-based company is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after luggage brands online. GH analyst Grace Wu says it lives up to the hype: "It might just be the best luggage I’ve ever owned."

The bags have a simple yet sleek appearance, complete with aluminum corners that elevate otherwise minimalist suitcases. The telescopic handle stops at 20 different heights, so it will stop without falling down immediately, but won’t fully lock in until lifted to half its full height. It’s also slightly slanted, which the brand says offers better ergonomics. These suitcases performed extremely well in durability tests too, particularly impact resistance. It didn’t earn the best scratch resistance scores, though.

What really impressed us was the maneuverability. During in-Lab testing, participants in our obstacle course gave July bags some of the highest scores for ease of use, particularly for their smooth, 360-degree wheels and adjustable handle. While wheeling the luggage through our in-Lab obstacle course, some testers liked the handle feature and others found it a bit awkward.

One tester commented, "I like how EASY it was to adjust the handle. There are so many suitcases that I’ve had in the past where its only available for a certain height. This one feels like there are more options available and is perfect for me." Another tester who took a July carry-on on vacation shared, "I’ve never used a carry-on with wheels this smooth."

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test all kinds of luggage to determine which pieces are worth buying. We evaluate luggage in the Lab and share it with consumer testers who bring the luggage on their own trips and then provide us with valuable feedback. Here’s what we look for when we test suitcases:

We send suitcases to testers who use the bags on their own vacations and provide us with valuable feedback about how much they could pack, how easy the bags were to use, their thoughts on appearance, how the bags performed, and more.

Here are a few helpful tips for picking out a new luggage travel set:

Pieces: Most luggage sets come with two or three pieces, including a carry-on bag and at least one checked bag. If you regularly travel on long trips or are packing for more than one person, opt for a larger set. I have two suitcases—a medium checked bag and a carry-on—and find them to be enough to hold everything I need for my trips. Some brands offer greater discounts when you purchase more pieces, which can make it worth it to buy a full matching set.

Wheels: Luggage with four 360-degree spinner wheels tends to perform better in our tests. You can easily push, pull, and move the bags in all directions and still tilt the bags back if you prefer to pull them behind you. Luggage with just two wheels must be tilted to roll, and you can only move the bags forward and backward instead of side to side.

Telescopic handle: If you have the chance to check out the luggage in person, we recommend raising and lowering the handle several times to determine how comfortable it is to use and grip. A sturdy handle can make a big difference when you’re pulling a full suitcase through the airport.

Side handles: You’ll use the side handles to raise and lower the suitcase into an overhead bin or pick it up from baggage claim, so it’s a good idea to make sure the handles aren’t too tight and feel comfortable to use.

Compartments: Consider whether you prefer the suitcase’s interior to be a big open space that can hold larger items or if you prefer two smaller compartments for better organization. Most suitcases are equipped with additional zippered pockets, compression straps, and/or removable shoe or laundry bags. Some bags are also designed with exterior pockets for easy access to travel essentials like your keys and ID.

Zippers: Because zippers can be finicky, it’s a good idea to zip and unzip the bag multiple times to make sure they glide easily and don’t get stuck.

Warranties and returns: Luggage warranties often only cover manufacturer defects and can be difficult to prove. We suggest reviewing the brand’s return and exchange policy. There are plenty of luggage brands that offer extended trial periods that will allow you to test the luggage at home or, in some cases, take it on a trip, before deciding if it’s right for you.

We’ve tested plenty of soft-sided and hard-sided luggage and have had top performers in each category. Each type has its perks and disadvantages.

Hard-sided luggage: Hard shell luggage is protective, streamlined, and lightweight. Not all hard shell suitcases are the same, though. Here are some of the most common hard-sided materials:

Soft-sided luggage: Fabric-based suitcases are more forgiving when it’s time to store them, and they give you a bit more leeway to stuff them full of belongings. They also don’t typically show major signs of wear or scratching.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has tested all kinds of luggage in the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab and has covered carry-on bags, checked suitcases, hard-sided luggage, soft-sided luggage, kids’ luggage, and the best luggage on Amazon. Constantine used her relative expertise and referred to former luggage testing data when choosing the best luggage sets.

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