If you’ve ever tried to travel with only a carry-on and failed, you’re not alone. For many travelers. including me, packing into a 45-linear-inch carry-on is simply impossible, even with compression cubes and the best packing hacks. That’s why checked luggage is essential for longer trips, family vacations, or anyone who just needs more room. A checked suitcase offers extra capacity, better organization, and the durability to survive baggage carousels and airport handlers without falling apart.
So, what is the best checked luggage in 2025? The answer depends on what you value most, spacious interiors, lightweight design, easy-rolling wheels, or built-in organization. After reviewing top best checked luggage brands like Samsonite, Away, Travelpro, Osprey, Briggs & Riley, Bric’s, Level8 and Delsey, we’ve narrowed down the best suitcases that combine size, strength, lightweight and style while good for domestic as well as international travel.
In this guide, you’ll find our expert picks for the best checked suitcases for every type of traveler, from frequent flyers to family vacationers. Whether you need a durable hardshell bag for international trips or a lightweight softside option for easy packing, these checked bags are built to last, and they’ll make your next journey a lot smoother.
Amazon Basics (30”)
- Best for: Budget travelers, long vacations, big families.
- Not for: Style seekers or frequent international flyers who need premium durability.
I took the Amazon Basics 30” Hardside on a two-week trip, fully stuffed with bulky winter clothes and a pair of boots. The first thing I noticed? Space for days. Even before unzipping the expandable section, it handled everything I threw at it. With the 15% expansion, I still had room for souvenirs.
The shell feels solid but not premium, I did a quick scratch test with my keys and while it showed faint marks, it held up fine against airport baggage belts. The wheels rolled smoothly on flat airport floors, though they struggled slightly on cobblestones outside my hotel. For the price, the maneuverability is better than expected.
Inside, the divider and zippered pockets kept things reasonably organized, but packing cubes helped a lot. At nearly 31″ tall with wheels, this is not for light travelers, it’s a true big-trip bag.
SwissGear Sion(29”)
- Best for: Lightweight softshell fabric (scuff-resistant), very roomy (86L plus expansion), multiple organizer pockets (including wet bag and mesh zip), smooth four-wheel spinner ease, padded carry handles for lifting.
- Not Good: Heavier than ultra-light bags (~11 lbs empty), softside bags can snag or compress (less protection than hardshell), color options are limited.
I’ve used the SwissGear Sion as my main family-trip suitcase, and it’s impressed me for a softside. The 29″ size holds about 86 liters, and the expansion gives enough extra room that I once fit a thick coat without stressing the zipper. The polyester fabric is scuff-resistant and has survived drops, and the exterior pockets are genuinely useful, two zip pockets outside plus a wet pouch and mesh pocket inside for quick-grab items. The handle feels smooth, and the spinner wheels make it easy to pivot through terminals. It doesn’t have a built-in TSA lock, so I just use a small clip-on one.
If you like Swissgear then you can also see hardside option: SwissGear 7366 Signature
At around 11 lbs, it gives me plenty of packing space without feeling overly heavy, and the softside body compresses just enough to squeeze into tighter spaces. It handled a week in Europe with room to spare. I did notice a scrape after rough baggage handling, but the fabric held up fine. Overall, it’s ideal for travelers who want lots of space, flexible fabric, and extra pockets, especially for family trips or bulky loads.
Samsonite Freeform (24″ & 28″)
- Best for: Frequent flyers who need lightweight durability. infact it is the most durable checked luggage.
- Not for: Budget shoppers or those who don’t check bags often.
The Samsonite Freeform is best lightweight checked luggage compared to bulkier luggage I’ve tested. At just 9.6 lbs, it stayed manageable even when packed for a 10-day international trip. I rolled it across airport terminals and down rough sidewalks, and the oversized spinner wheels held up beautifully, no wobbling, no dragging.
Inside, the organization is practical without being overcomplicated. Elastic straps, a divider, and an accessory pouch kept clothes neat, even after long flights. The TSA-approved lock adds extra peace of mind, and the expandable section didn’t compromise stability when stuffed. After a few baggage claims, only light scuffs appeared on the shell, no deep scratches or cracks.
The trade-off here is price, you’re paying for premium materials and long-term use. Still, if you’re a frequent traveler who values lightness, maneuverability, and reliability, the Freeform is worth it.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 (29″) Softside
- Best for: Frequent domestic travelers, lightweight packers, softside fans.
- Not for: Travelers who want maximum protection from rough baggage handling.
The Maxlite 5 is a standout for anyone who wants to keep baggage weight down. At only 7.3 lbs, this 25″ and 29″ checked sizes are softside and easy to lift into car trunks. On a nine-day trip, I appreciated the expandable section and exterior pockets, which gave me more flexibility than hard shells typically allow.
The spinner wheels rolled smoothly across airport floors, though they were less stable on cracked sidewalks. The softshell construction gave me wiggle room when squeezing it into tight spots, and the H2O Guard lining actually repelled water when my water bottle leaked, a pleasant surprise.
If you want to have a detailed insight on Travelpro Maxlite 5 and Travelpro Air V2 then give a read to our comparison article of these two luggages.
If you prefer the rigid feel of hard shells, this may not be your pick. But for frequent flyers who prioritize light weight and flexibility, the Maxlite 5 is tough to beat.
Briggs & Riley Torq (32″)
- Best for: Families, luxury travelers, anyone who values lifetime warranty.
- Not for: People who are not used to this size.
This is the bag I’d recommend if you never want to buy another checked suitcase again. The Briggs & Riley Torq 32″ is massive, perfect for packing for a family of three on a holiday trip. The 80/20 lid opening makes it much easier to fit bulky coats, boots, and gear without wrestling with the clamshell design of most hard cases.
The polycarbonate shell resisted scratches during my tests, even when I deliberately scraped it against a brick wall. The spinner wheels are in a class of their own, smooth, quiet, and shock-absorbing. Rolling it through train stations and uneven city streets felt effortless compared to cheaper bags. The TSA-friendly lock and integrated ID tag also make it secure without drawing unwanted attention.
Of course, this level of quality doesn’t come cheap. It’s heavier and pricier than most luggage, but the lifetime warranty and repair guarantee make it a long-term investment. Serious travelers will see the value.
American Tourister Stratum 2.0 (28″)
- Good For: Great value seekers, modern-style lovers, families who need simple organization, travelers wanting a small expansion, those who like multiple carry handles, and anyone who wants a solid 10-year warranty.
- Not Good For: Travelers who need lightweight polycarbonate, want more expansion, prefer built-in TSA locks, handle luggage roughly, or expect premium features.
I grabbed the Stratum 2.0 in Slate Blue (gorgeous in person) and used it on a road-trip + flight combo with family. It’s an ABS hardshell spinner that weighs about 11.1 lbs at 28″, a little heavy, but usually under $150 on sale, so the value is hard to beat. The interior is genuinely roomy with a “max-capacity” layout, a zippered mesh divider, and elastic tie-downs that kept my kid’s clothes sorted. The 1″ expansion came in handy on the way back when souvenirs started piling up.
The wheels and handle were smoother than expected, and the carbon-fiber-textured grab handle felt sturdy. The shell’s striped texture looks sharp and hides light scuffs well. After a couple of long flights, mine still looks almost new. No built-in lock, but a simple TSA padlock works fine.
Level8 Trunk (28”)
- Best for: Travelers who want a sleek, durable checked trunk for 1–2 week trips.
- Not for: Minimalists looking for ultra-light luggage.
The LEVEL8 28″ trunk impressed me with its mix of modern design and solid functionality. I tested it on a 12-day business trip, and the split compartment design kept my work clothes pressed and separate from casual outfits. The mesh divider and roomy pockets added a level of organization that packing cubes complemented nicely.
The eight spinner wheels glided quietly on smooth floors and held up well over uneven hotel driveways. I pulled the telescoping handle through long corridors, and it felt comfortable with four adjustable heights. At 11.4 lbs, it’s not feather-light, but the sturdy build balances out the extra weight. The polycarbonate shell handled light bumps without visible marks.
This trunk feels like a great balance between style and utility. If you’re willing to sacrifice a pound or two of weight for silent wheels and strong organization, LEVEL8 is a reliable pick.
Away (29”) Large
- Best for: Travelers who want style, functionality, and space.
- Not for: Those who are looking for one at a low price.
Away’s 29″ Large Checked is one of the most stylish bags I’ve tested. On a two-week trip, the patented compression pad really did make a difference, I fit in extra outfits I didn’t think would squeeze in. The included laundry bag was perfect for keeping dirty clothes separate from the rest.
The wheels glide like a dream through airports and hotels, and the adjustable trolley handle felt sturdy even when rushing through terminals. The hard shell is lightweight yet tough, though my scratch test with keys left visible marks, cosmetic wear is something to expect over time.
It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not the most rugged either, but for travelers who want a suitcase that looks great, organizes well, and holds a lot, Away delivers.
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 (28″)
- Best for: Luxury travelers who want style + durability.
- Not for: Budget-conscious travelers.
The Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 combines looks and performance. I tested it on a week-long Europe trip, and it earned compliments for its faux leather trim and elegant design. But it’s not just pretty, the corner protectors and polycarbonate shell kept it intact even after a rough baggage carousel ride.
The dual spinner wheels were whisper-quiet, even on cobblestones in Paris. I tugged hard at the patented Securitech zipper, and it felt noticeably sturdier than standard luggage zips. Inside, the odor-resistant lining and included shoe and laundry bags added a touch of practical luxury.
It’s more expensive than mid-range bags, but if you value both fashion and function, it’s a statement piece that still performs.
July Expandable (24.5″)
- Best for: Frequent international travelers, premium durability seekers.
- Not for: People who want an affordable option.
The July Checked Expandable stood out to me for two things: the near-silent wheels and the expandable zip. I stuffed it full of bulky hoodies and used the Y-strap compression system, which actually held everything tightly in place without shifting during the flight.
I tested the wheels on cobblestones, they glided smoother than any luggage I’ve used. The aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell feels sturdy, and the interior lining is stain resistant, which helped when a bottle of shampoo leaked. The overall build screams premium.
The price is steep, but the lifetime warranty makes it a long-term investment. If you travel often and want peace of mind that your suitcase will last, July is worth the splurge.
Osprey Transporter Wheeled (38L)
- Best for: Adventure travelers, weekend explorers, carry-on only packers.
- Not for: Travelers who prefer a sleek, business-style suitcase with a polished look.
The Osprey Transporter is technically a carry-on, but I tested it for adventure trips where durability mattered more than size. Its rugged wheels handled gravel paths, dirt trails, and cobbled streets, terrain that would stop most spinners in their tracks.
The wide-opening main compartment made packing hiking gear simple, and the padded laptop sleeve kept my 15″ MacBook safe on travel days. Multiple handles made it easy to grab out of overhead compartments or from car trunks. At 38L, it’s compact, so don’t expect to pack more than 4-5 days’ worth of clothes.
It’s not for long trips, but for outdoor enthusiasts who want a carry-on that doubles as an adventure bag, the Transporter is ideal.
Conclusion:
The best checked luggage isn’t about finding one “perfect” suitcase, it’s about finding the one that fits your kind of travel. Frequent flyers may lean toward lightweight, durable picks like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, while style-focused travelers might prefer the elegant Delsey Chatelet. If you need something expandable for longer trips, bags like the July Checked Expandable or Away Large Checked make packing less stressful.
In the end, the right suitcase should take stress out of your journey, not add to it. Think about how you travel, short business trips, long family vacations, or rugged adventures, and match your luggage to that reality. Do that, and you’ll spend less time worrying about your bag, and more time enjoying the trip ahead.