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Buying guide

The Best Suitcases

We compared eight suitcases on owner ratings, specs, and price. The Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels is the best for most people.

Updated

The bottom line

The Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels is our top pick. It has a durable hardshell, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a TSA lock, all for $179. The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage is a close runner-up at $145, with a softshell and similar features. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels is the budget pick at $74, but it has fewer wheels and a lower warranty.

Top pick
Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels - TSA Lock, Airline-ApprovedSamsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels - TSA Lock, Airline-Approved $179.00

The best suitcase for most people

The Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels is the best suitcase for most people. It has a durable hardshell, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a TSA lock, all for $179. The tradeoff is the price, which is higher than some other options.

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Runner-up
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner LuggageSwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage $145.00

A close second with a softshell

The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage is a close runner-up at $145. It has a softshell, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a TSA lock. The tradeoff is the lower durability of the softshell compared to the hardshell of the top pick.

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Budget pick
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner WheelsSamsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels $74.03

The best budget suitcase

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels is the best budget suitcase at $74. It has a hardshell, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a TSA lock. The tradeoff is the lower number of wheels and warranty compared to the top pick.

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The field, ranked

  1. Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels - TSA Lock, Airline-Approved Best for durability, maneuverability, and security 9.0/10 $179.00 Amazon
  2. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage Best for budget and softshell preference 8.0/10 $145.00 Amazon
  3. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels Best for budget and hardshell preference 7.0/10 $74.03 Amazon
  4. Samsonite Freeform Luggage Set Good for a luggage set, but more expensive 7.0/10 $329.88 Amazon
  5. Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set Good for a luggage set, but more expensive 7.0/10 $269.00 Amazon
  6. Samsonite Freeform Luggage Set Good for a luggage set, but more expensive 7.0/10 $214.19 Amazon
  7. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels Good for budget, but fewer wheels and lower warranty 6.0/10 $97.85 Amazon
  8. SWISSGEAR Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage Good for budget, but fewer wheels and lower warranty 6.0/10 $160.00 Amazon

Where the differences show up in daily use

The Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels has a durable hardshell, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a TSA lock. The hardshell provides better protection for your belongings, the spinner wheels make it easier to navigate through airports and other tight spaces, and the TSA lock ensures that your luggage is secure during transit. The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage is a close second, with a softshell that is lighter and more flexible, but less durable. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels is the best budget option, with a hardshell and spinner wheels, but fewer wheels and a lower warranty compared to the top pick.

Who should buy which

If you prioritize durability, maneuverability, and security, the Samsonite Freeform Large Checked Luggage with Dual 360° Spinner Wheels is the best choice. If you prefer a lighter and more flexible option, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage is a close second. If you are on a budget, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels is the best option, but be aware of the tradeoffs in durability, maneuverability, and warranty.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings, specs, and price. We compared eight suitcases and ranked them based on the evidence. We did not test any of the products hands-on. The evidence for some products is thinner than for others, and we have noted this in the guide.