Choosing the right luggage is paramount to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time flyer, your luggage is more than just a container for your belongings; it’s a travel companion that can significantly impact your journey. Good Travel Luggage should be durable, reliable, and designed with features that simplify packing and navigating through airports and beyond. In 2025, the market is brimming with options, each promising to be the perfect travel solution. But with so many choices, how do you discern the truly exceptional from the merely adequate?
At travels.edu.vn, our team of travel experts has undertaken rigorous testing to bring you the definitive guide to the best travel luggage of 2025. We understand that “good travel luggage” means different things to different travelers. Some prioritize lightweight maneuverability for quick trips, while others need robust durability for long-haul adventures. To cater to every need, we assembled a panel of seasoned frequent flyers who put twenty highly-rated luggage contenders through nine months of real-world travel scenarios. Our evaluations focused on critical aspects such as size, weight, construction quality, innovative features, and overall performance under pressure.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and present you with clear, expert-backed recommendations. We’ve considered various travel styles and needs, from compact carry-ons ideal for weekend escapes to spacious checked bags for extended vacations. We’ve explored hardside and softside options, lightweight designs, and even versatile duffel bags, all sourced from reputable, top-tier luggage brands. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to select the perfect travel luggage that will not only withstand the rigors of travel but also enhance your overall travel experience in 2025 and beyond. Let’s dive into our top picks for good travel luggage, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next adventure.
Best Luggage Overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On
The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner has emerged as our top overall pick, consistently impressing our testers with its exceptional blend of durability, maneuverability, and thoughtful design. This softside suitcase is constructed from robust, weather-resistant material that has proven its resilience through countless miles of travel. Its generous capacity belies a compact design, making it suitable for overhead compartments while still offering ample space for trips lasting five to seven days. The smooth-rolling spinner wheels are a standout feature, effortlessly gliding across various surfaces, from polished airport floors to uneven pavements. One tester remarked, “It’s very simple to maneuver around, even on concrete,” highlighting its ease of use in diverse travel environments. The exterior has also proven to be remarkably durable, with testers reporting minimal signs of wear and tear even after extensive use.
Beyond its robust exterior, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is intelligently designed for organized packing. Compression straps within the main compartment help maximize space and secure your belongings, while a dedicated USB port allows for convenient on-the-go charging of electronic devices. Accessory pockets provide additional storage for smaller items, and a water-resistant toiletry bag is a thoughtful inclusion for keeping liquids separate and preventing spills. The contoured-grip rubber handle is another highlight, offering exceptional comfort and control. With four adjustable height settings, it accommodates travelers of all statures, ensuring comfortable navigation through crowded airports. While its aesthetic leans towards a more traditional style, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On excels as a reliable, high-performing suitcase that consistently delivers on its promises, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking good travel luggage that balances functionality and durability. For those requiring even greater resilience, a hardside version is also available, and checked sizes in medium and large cater to longer journeys.
Best Carry-On: Away The Bigger Carry-On
For carry-on excellence, the Away The Bigger Carry-On stands out as our top recommendation. This hardside suitcase is celebrated for its sleek design, lightweight construction, and impressive functionality. Constructed with a durable polycarbonate shell, it’s engineered to withstand the inevitable bumps and jostles of travel while remaining remarkably light. Its slightly larger dimensions compared to standard carry-ons provide a noticeable increase in packing space, allowing you to maximize your carry-on capacity without exceeding airline size restrictions. The Away Bigger Carry-On has been previously recognized as a top pick for best carry-on luggage, and it continues to impress with its well-thought-out features.
The wheels on the Away Bigger Carry-On are exceptionally smooth and quiet, making navigating busy airports a breeze. An underside grab handle adds convenience when lifting the suitcase into overhead bins, and the included laundry bag is a practical touch for separating clean and dirty clothes during your travels. Away’s signature compression system, featuring adjustable straps, is particularly effective in maximizing packing space, allowing you to fit more items than you might expect. The interior is thoughtfully designed, and the color variety is extensive, ranging from subtle neutrals to vibrant statement shades, ensuring there’s an Away Carry-On to match every personal style. Our senior travel editor has personally used the Away Bigger Carry-On on numerous trips across diverse destinations, attesting to its robustness and reliability. For travelers who sometimes need a bit more flexibility, the Carry-On Flex model offers an expandable option, providing an additional 2.25 inches of packing space. Away also offers personalized monogramming and custom luggage tags, adding a touch of individuality and making it easier to identify your luggage. The Away The Bigger Carry-On is a superb choice for travelers seeking stylish, durable, and highly functional carry-on luggage.
Best Checked: Calpak Ambeur Large
When it comes to checked luggage that offers both ample space and affordability, the Calpak Ambeur Large is our top selection. Priced under $300, this suitcase delivers high-quality features typically found in more expensive models. Its generous dimensions and expandable design provide exceptional packing capacity, making it ideal for longer trips or for travelers who tend to overpack. Despite its size, the Calpak Ambeur Large remains surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its smooth-rolling dual spinner wheels. One tester, a self-confessed over-packer, noted, “It’s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need.”
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The interior of the Calpak Ambeur Large is well-organized with four zippered compartments and cross compression straps to keep your belongings secure and in place during transit. While it lacks exterior pockets, the interior organization compensates for this, providing ample separation and easy access to packed items. The grip handles are particularly comfortable, featuring a rubber lining that prevents hand fatigue when lifting and carrying heavy luggage. Testers appreciated the suitcase’s ability to maintain a compact feel and effortless wheeling, even when fully packed. However, it’s worth noting that darker color versions of the Calpak Ambeur Large can be prone to scuffing, with visible white scratches appearing on the black exterior after several trips. While this is primarily a cosmetic issue and doesn’t detract from the suitcase’s functionality, choosing lighter colors is recommended to minimize the appearance of scuffs. Overall, the Calpak Ambeur Large offers an excellent balance of capacity, features, and value, making it a top choice for checked luggage.
Best For International Travel: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On
The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is our recommended choice for international travel, primarily due to its ideal size, lightweight design, and excellent storage capacity, all at a reasonable price point. Samsonite has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable luggage, and the Freeform Carry-On upholds this tradition. Its dimensions are specifically designed to comply with the carry-on size restrictions of most international airlines, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive storage space and can be expanded by an inch if needed, providing extra room for souvenirs or unexpected additions to your luggage.
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The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is remarkably lightweight, making it easy to lift into overhead bins and maneuver through airports. Its spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling, and the overall design is modern and functional, available in a variety of colors. While it may not have the ultra-sleek aesthetic of some premium brands, its practicality and performance are undeniable. One tester who used the suitcase on both short weekend trips and longer flights praised its expandable panel for “squeezing in extra clothes,” highlighting its adaptability to different travel needs. The polypropylene shell contributes to its lightweight nature, but it’s less impact-resistant than polycarbonate or aluminum. Therefore, while durable for carry-on use, it may not be the most robust option for frequent checked baggage. For those requiring checked sizes, the Freeform is also available in medium and large versions. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is a dependable, affordable, and appropriately sized suitcase, making it an excellent choice for international travelers seeking good travel luggage without breaking the bank.
Best Hardside: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
For hardside luggage that combines durability, style, and smart features, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is our top recommendation. This suitcase stands out for its robust construction, sleek design, and thoughtful details, earning its place as the best hardside option in our testing. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus features a hefty and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate shell, designed to withstand the rigors of travel while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. Testers were consistently impressed by its durability, size, and well-considered design elements. Integrated TSA-approved locks provide enhanced security, while the smooth, quiet wheels ensure effortless maneuverability. Vegan leather accents add a touch of luxury, and a standout feature is the built-in front compartment, offering quick and easy access to essential items.
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The front compartment is particularly useful for storing a 16-inch laptop, making it ideal for business travelers or anyone who needs to keep electronics readily accessible. One tester noted that the “easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security,” emphasizing the practical benefit of this feature. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus fits comfortably in overhead bins and is available in a stylish range of colors, allowing you to express your personal style. However, it’s worth mentioning that the telescoping handle can sometimes become stuck if the suitcase is excessively packed, which might be a consideration for over-packers. For those needing more space for longer trips, the Monos Check-In Medium offers a larger alternative without being overly bulky. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is a premium hardside suitcase that delivers on both style and substance, making it an excellent investment for discerning travelers seeking good travel luggage with a focus on design and functionality.
Best Softside: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On earns our top spot for softside luggage, renowned for its exceptional durability, reliability, and industry-leading lifetime warranty. Briggs & Riley is synonymous with high-quality luggage, and the Baseline Essential Carry-On exemplifies the brand’s commitment to excellence. Constructed from ballistic nylon fabric, this suitcase is incredibly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it can withstand the demands of frequent travel. It’s available in classic, sophisticated colors that maintain their appearance over time, reflecting the bag’s enduring quality. For travelers who prefer the flexibility and extra give of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On is an outstanding choice.
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Testers praised the smooth rolling wheels, noting that the “spinner rolled like butter” across various surfaces, including planes, trains, and buses. The construction is notably robust, with no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers even after rigorous testing. A standout feature of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On is its built-in compression technology, which maximizes packing space and keeps your belongings neatly organized. It also includes a garment folder to minimize wrinkles and keep clothes in place. While it represents a significant investment, the lifetime warranty offered by Briggs & Riley is unparalleled, covering repairs for any damage, free of charge, for the entire lifespan of the bag. This exceptional warranty, combined with its durable construction and thoughtful features, justifies the premium price tag. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On is a top-tier softside suitcase that offers unmatched peace of mind and long-lasting performance, making it a worthwhile investment for travelers who value quality and durability.
Best Lightweight: Travelpro Maxlite 5
For travelers prioritizing lightweight luggage without sacrificing durability, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is our top pick. Weighing in at just over five pounds, this suitcase is remarkably light, yet it still offers a robust and functional design. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 excels in maneuverability and ease of lifting, making it ideal for those who prefer to travel light or have to navigate stairs and public transportation frequently. Despite its lightweight construction, it maintains a structured shape and offers a surprisingly generous capacity. The polyester exterior is flexible, making it forgiving for over-packers, and it’s coated with a water- and stain-resistant DuraGuard material, adding to its practicality and longevity. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is also one of the more affordable options in our top picks, offering excellent value for its performance.
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The wheels on the Travelpro Maxlite 5 are exceptionally smooth, and the ergonomic handle is designed for comfort, with multiple height settings to accommodate different users. Testers were impressed by its maneuverability, with one noting, “I was amazed at how lightweight and easy it was to maneuver… The rolling was superior—smooth on any surface. The four wheels allowed for seamless turns, spins and pulls.” For added convenience, it features two secondary handles on the top and side, making it even easier to lift and carry. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is designed to be pushed and pulled effortlessly, proving to be both lightweight and durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel. It’s also available in medium and large checked sizes for those needing more capacity. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is an exceptional choice for travelers seeking good travel luggage that prioritizes lightweight design, maneuverability, and affordability.
Best Aluminum: Rimowa Original Cabin
The Rimowa Original Cabin is our top selection for aluminum luggage, representing the pinnacle of luxury, durability, and iconic design. Rimowa is a globally recognized brand in high-end luggage, and the Original Cabin embodies its reputation for craftsmanship and innovation. Constructed with a high-end anodized aluminum exterior, this suitcase is both incredibly durable and stylishly recognizable. The Rimowa Original Cabin is an investment piece, designed to last a lifetime, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee that covers all damage, underscoring its exceptional quality and longevity. While it carries a premium price tag, the Rimowa Original Cabin delivers an unparalleled travel experience.
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Testers raved about the smooth wheels, with one editor noting that they were “some of the smoothest wheels I’ve tested,” effortlessly gliding over carpets and cobblestones. The suitcase’s compression system is also impressive, allowing for efficient packing of at least a week’s worth of clothing. Instead of zippers, the Rimowa Original Cabin features two TSA-approved combination locks, adding to its security and distinctive design. While aluminum is incredibly durable, it is also prone to denting, which is a characteristic of the material. However, many Rimowa owners view these dents as badges of honor, reflecting the journeys their luggage has undertaken. For those seeking a lighter and more budget-friendly alternative, Rimowa also offers the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and was recognized as a top pick for best lightweight luggage. The Rimowa Original Cabin is an aspirational piece of luggage, offering a unique blend of luxury, durability, and timeless style, making it a standout choice for discerning travelers who appreciate the finest in travel gear.
Best Compact: Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner
The Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner is our top recommendation for compact luggage, ideal for short trips and travelers who prefer a minimalist approach. This suitcase from French brand Lipault stands out for its sophisticated design and space-saving dimensions. Slightly smaller than a standard carry-on, the Plume Cabin Size Spinner is perfectly suited for weekend getaways and situations where overhead bin space is limited. Despite its compact size, it offers efficient packing space and thoughtful features. The nylon shell is weather-resistant, and padded side handles make lifting and carrying comfortable. The Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner is a stylish alternative to more traditional softside suitcases, offering a contemporary aesthetic and practical functionality.
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One tester noted, “It’s definitely one of the most compact suitcases I’ve used… I had to be very strategic about what I packed, but I love how easy it is to lift into the overhead bin.” While it may not be ideal for longer trips or bulky items, its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly convenient for short excursions. The color selection is also noteworthy, with tasteful and eye-catching shades like Smashed Pumpkin and Rosewood adding a touch of personality to your travel gear. Testers appreciated its sleek and stylish appearance, noting its “minimalistic, cool look.” The Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize portability, style, and space-saving design for shorter trips.
Best Stylish: Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
For travelers who prioritize both style and sustainability, the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus is our top pick for stylish luggage. Paravel has quickly gained popularity for its timeless aesthetics and commitment to eco-friendly practices. The Aviator Carry-On Plus is crafted from sustainable materials, including recycled post-consumer plastic bottles and aluminum, reflecting Paravel’s dedication to carbon-neutral luggage. This suitcase combines sophisticated design with durable construction and practical features, appealing to environmentally conscious and style-savvy travelers alike.
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The Aviator Carry-On Plus features smooth-rolling wheels, a comfortable handle grip, and includes a compression board and laundry bag for organized packing. Testers praised its stylish appearance and robust construction, noting that it’s “one of the best-looking bags I’ve traveled with” and “very sturdy.” The wheels are exceptionally smooth and perform well on airport carpets, and the vegan leather handle wrap adds a touch of luxury and comfort. The textured finish not only enhances its sophisticated look but also helps to conceal scuffs and markings, maintaining its appearance over time. The Aviator Carry-On Plus is available in a range of chic colors, and a larger checked size is also offered for longer trips. The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus is a standout choice for travelers seeking good travel luggage that is both stylish and environmentally responsible, without compromising on performance and durability.
Best Set: July Classic Family Luggage Set
The July Classic Family Luggage Set is our top recommendation for luggage sets, offering a comprehensive and versatile trio suitable for families or frequent travelers. Luggage sets provide a cost-effective way to acquire multiple pieces of luggage, and the July Classic Family Set excels in both value and performance. This set includes a Carry-On, Checked, and Checked Plus suitcase, catering to a wide range of travel needs, from weekend getaways to extended vacations. July is an Australian brand known for its lightweight yet durable luggage, and the Classic Family Set upholds this reputation. The set was recognized as the top overall pick in our best luggage sets round-up, highlighting its exceptional quality and value.
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Each piece in the July Classic Family Set is equipped with smooth-rolling wheels, retractable handles, laundry bags, and TSA locks, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Testers found the suitcases to be slim, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. The set is available in a variety of unique colors, and a practical design feature is that the suitcases are designed to nest inside one another for compact storage when not in use. The July Classic Family Luggage Set is an excellent investment for families or anyone needing a versatile set of good travel luggage that covers all trip lengths and offers exceptional value and quality.
Best Duffel: Calpak Luka Duffel
The Calpak Luka Duffel is our top choice for duffel bags, offering a perfect blend of lightweight design, practical features, and comfortable carrying. When a wheeled suitcase isn’t necessary, a well-designed duffel bag can be an incredibly versatile travel companion. The Calpak Luka Duffel excels in this category, checking all the boxes for a travel-friendly duffel. Constructed from weather-resistant polyester, it protects your belongings in various climates while remaining remarkably lightweight. Testers praised its versatility, using it as both a weekender bag and a carry-on item. The Calpak Luka Duffel is particularly well-organized, featuring an impressive nine pockets, including a spacious shoe compartment, making it easy to keep your belongings separated and accessible.
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The pockets are a standout feature, providing ample storage for everything from shoes and clothing to toiletries and small accessories. The handles are exceptionally soft and comfortable, making it easy to carry even when fully packed. Testers noted that the “soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” even when the bag is stuffed to capacity. The Calpak Luka Duffel is also relatively affordable and comes in a variety of stylish colors, from vibrant to classic neutrals. For travelers seeking a versatile, lightweight, and well-organized duffel bag, the Calpak Luka Duffel is an outstanding choice.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Travel Luggage in 2025
Selecting the right travel luggage is a crucial step in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey. As our expert testing has shown, “good travel luggage” encompasses a range of features, from durability and maneuverability to thoughtful design and style. Whether you prioritize lightweight convenience, robust protection, or stylish aesthetics, there’s a perfect luggage option for you in 2025.
For overall excellence, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On stands out, offering a balanced blend of durability, functionality, and ease of use. The Away The Bigger Carry-On is the ultimate carry-on, sleek, spacious, and built to last. For checked luggage, the Calpak Ambeur Large provides exceptional capacity and value. International travelers will appreciate the perfectly sized and lightweight Samsonite Freeform Carry-On. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus leads the way in hardside design, while the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On offers unmatched softside durability and a lifetime warranty. Lightweight travelers will find the Travelpro Maxlite 5 ideal, and for luxury and iconic design, the Rimowa Original Cabin is unparalleled. The Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner is perfect for compact travel, and the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus combines style with sustainability. Finally, for comprehensive family travel, the July Classic Family Luggage Set is an excellent choice, and the Calpak Luka Duffel offers versatile duffel bag convenience.
Ultimately, the best travel luggage for you depends on your individual travel style, trip duration, and personal preferences. Consider your typical travel needs, weigh the features that are most important to you, and explore the options highlighted in this guide to find the perfect travel companion for your adventures in 2025 and beyond. Investing in good travel luggage is an investment in smoother, more enjoyable travels for years to come.
