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10 Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces, Tested & Reviewed

Find expert-approved carry-ons, checked luggage and more for your next trip.

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Whether you’re frequently rushing through the airport with a carry-on or in need of a durable checked suitcase for your upcoming vacation, investing in a high-quality suitcase that’s as easy to pack as it is to maneuver is worth it.

According to our travel experts, Samsonite is one of the best luggage brands to choose from. Not only is it a reliable brand with tons of offerings that consistently perform well in our tests, but it stands out for its durability and ease of use. It’s also fairly affordable compared to similar models on the market. To help you find the right Samsonite luggage for your next getaway, we break down our favorite Samsonite suitcases below with picks suitable for a variety of style preferences, sizes and budgets.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, fiber scientists and product analysts have been testing Samsonite luggage in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers for decades. In recent years alone, we’ve put over 100 suitcases, including dozens of Samsonite pieces, to the test, covering everything from checked luggage to carry-on luggage, luggage for international travel, hardside luggage and more. The recommendations ahead are based on our extensive testing data and firsthand feedback from travel testers.

1
Best Overall

Samsonite Freeform

On Sale
Freeform

Pros

  • Easy-to-maneuver design
  • Lightweight
  • Comes in three sizes and many colors
  • Good value

Cons

  • Handle felt less sturdy to some testers

SHOP THE SAMSONITE FREEFORM COLLECTION

Perfect for any type of traveler, this Samsonite suitcase earns our top spot for its high-quality design and wide assortment of sizes, including a two-piece set and a large spinner for lengthier trips as well as the carry-on size pictured above. Our pros appreciate that it’s offered in several colors so you can choose what suits your style.

What we like most is its lightweight, easy-to-maneuver design that makes it a breeze to navigate in crowded train stations and airports. At under $200, it offers great value and is more affordable than polycarbonate luggage, although our pros note that the polypropylene material it’s made of won’t be as scratch-resistant.

Testers loved the suitcase’s smooth wheels, though did mention that the handle felt a bit cheap and flimsy. Others loved how easy it is to pick up and found the size ideal, calling the suitcase their new “favorite.”

Dimensions23' x 15" x 10"
Weight6.5 lbs
MaterialPolypropylene
ExpandableYes
best carry on luggage samsonite freeform hardside expandable spinner
Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman

The Samsonite Freeform at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

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2
Best Value

Samsonite Winfield

On Sale
Winfield

Pros

  • Great price
  • Available in several colors and sizes
  • Combination lock included

Cons

  • Not expandable

Look no further than the Winfield suitcase if great value is what you’re after. A popular pick on Amazon with more than 22,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating, this hardside polycarbonate suitcase comes at an excellent price for the quality you’ll get, according to our luggage experts. We like that you can choose among more than 10 sophisticated shades, as well as various sizes and sets, like this three-piece set including a carry-on and two checked bags.

In addition to 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-compatible combination lock is included. Our travel experts do warn, however, that it’s not expandable so you won't be able to squeeze in last-minute gifts if your suitcase is already full.

Dimensions23.0' x 14.5" x 9.5"
Weight6.7 lbs
MaterialPolycarbonate
ExpandableNo
3
Best Softside

Samsonite Solyte

On Sale
Solyte

Pros

  • Smooth rolling wheels
  • Performed well in Lab tests
  • Features several organization pockets
  • Built-in USB port

Cons

  • Some testers wish there was more packing space

For those who prefer flexible softside luggage that you can really stuff with everything you need for your upcoming adventures, we recommend the Samsonite Solyte. Our pros were impressed by its smooth rolling wheels for easy maneuvering. The durable, polyester withstood repeated rubbing in Lab abrasion tests and the suitcase looked great after being released repeatedly by our drop tester.

Frequent travelers will appreciate its many organizational pockets, including three exterior pockets perfect for accessories, and two interior zipper pockets as well as a compression strap that holds everything together. It features 1.5 inches of available expansion, handy for overpackers, though some testers do note that they wish it offered even more packing space inside. A built-in USB port for charging your phone on the go is included as well — just keep in mind that batteries are sold separately.

RELATED: Best Softside Luggage, Tested by Travel Experts

Dimensions22.0" x 14.0" x 9.5"
Weight7.1 lbs
MaterialPolyester
ExpandableYes
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4
Best for Business Travel

Samsonite Elevation Plus

Elevation Plus

Pros

  • Perfect scores from travel testers
  • Features pop-out front pocket
  • Comes with built-in AirTag holder

Cons

  • Only available in three colors
  • May be a bit large for smaller airplanes

SHOP THE SAMSONITE ELEVATION PLUS COLLECTION

A Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards winner, this suitcase is as convenient for business travel as it is for family vacations. It got perfect scores from all testers for durability, style and overall comfort, and comes with a handlebar that can be adjusted in 1-inch increments for an ergonomic grip.

Even though most hardside suitcases don’t feature exterior sleeves, we love that this one has a pop-out compartment ideal for accessing your laptop quickly or other essentials like chargers and tablets. “I was really impressed by how this carry-on luggage was created and all the built-in organization it has,” said one tester who found it perfect for business travel or quick trips.

The durable polypropylene shell wasn’t damaged after repeated drops during durability testing and testers claimed that it handled the wear and tear of travel well. Another bonus: A built-in AirTag holder is included. Some testers found it a bit too big for overhead bins on smaller airplanes. It also only comes in three colors.

Dimensions23" x 15" x 10"
Weight9.4 lbs
MaterialPolypropylene
ExpandableYes
5
Best Luxury

Samsonite Silhouette

Silhouette
Now 58% Off
Credit: Samsonite

Pros

  • Great performance in Lab tests
  • Comes with several organizational features
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Pricier than other models

SHOP THE SAMSONITE SILHOUETTE COLLECTION

While this piece of luggage is pricier than other Samsonite models, the Silhouette collection has been around since 1958 and its excellent performance makes it a top contender on our list. Not only does it look super sleek, but it comes with tons of organization features for all your travel gear and accessories, like a compression cube, Wetpak for laundry and shoes, tie-down straps and more.

In Lab tests, it earned high scores for being easy to pack and having smooth wheels. Its outer shell showed no signs of wear in extensive abrasion tests, and testers gave it great scores. Several found the telescopic handle sturdy, while others “love the front pockets” and found it “super easy to maneuver around cones.”

Dimensions28" x 17.8" x 11"
Weight11.9 lbs
MaterialPolycarbonate Recyclex
ExpandableYes
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6
Most Popular

Samsonite Voltage

Voltage

Pros

  • Unique geometric shell design
  • Easy to pack
  • Good overall durability scores
  • Available in five colors

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Handle is a bit flimsy according to Lab and consumer tests

SHOP THE SAMSONITE VOLTAGE COLLECTION

One of Samsonite’s best-selling collections, the Voltage has a unique geometric shell that will help you spot it among other bags on the luggage carousel. “I like the texture on the outside of the suitcase,” said one tester. In addition to the neatly organized compartments you’ll find on all Samsonite suitcases, we like its large interior capacity that expands an extra inch (although we wish it could expand a bit further).

In Lab tests, our pros found the suitcase easy to pack and it had good durability scores overall — but they pointed out that the handle wasn’t as sturdy. Weighing a bit over 10 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, though you can purchase the lighter and smaller carry-on spinner, or as part of a set if you need both. Though it’s only available in one color at Macy’s, you can find it in five shades on Samsonite’s website.

Dimensions31.8" x 22" x 13.6"
Weight10.4 lbs
MaterialPolypropylene
ExpandableYes
7
Best Duffel

Samsonite Detour

Detour
Now 18% Off
Credit: Samsonite

Pros

  • Contains two separate compartments
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Available in two sizes

Cons

  • Not expandable

SHOP THE SAMSONITE DETOUR COLLECTION

Not a fan of traditional hardshell or softshell suitcases? Consider this wheeled duffel from Samsonite that our travel experts love. It’s available in two sizes (29-inch and 34-inch), so you can choose the best one for your upcoming trips.

While it's not expandable, our pros like that it has two packing compartments so families or those traveling with a significant other can stay organized by not having to share one main compartment. “I packed clothes for me, my son and daughter for a long weekend, with swim shoes and gear on the bottom and all of our clothes on top,” said one tester.

Others highlighted its high-quality design that helps makes travel days less stressful. “I am usually skeptical of duffel bags because while they are super light and easy to store, they can be such a pain to carry around…I thought that this Samsonite duffel was the perfect hybrid between suitcase and duffel, and the wheels made it IDEAL for traveling,” said another tester.

RELATED: Best Weekender Bags, Tested by Travel Experts

Dimensions30" x 15" x 14.2"
Weight9 lbs
MaterialPolyester
ExpandableNo
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8
Best Tip-Resistant

Samsonite Stryde

Stryde
Credit: Samsonite

Pros

  • Unique, wide design
  • Stable when rolling

Cons

  • May not be as easy to maneuver around certain spaces

Luggage that can’t seem to stay upright can be a hassle, especially on hectic travel days or in busy areas. This pick from Samsonite features a wide design that helps prevent it from toppling over.

Though our pros love its unconventional shape, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be as easy to maneuver freely through narrow spaces or tight baggage claim ramps. But according to our pros, it’s still a great option if you’re worried about lugging a checked case and want something that feels more stable to roll. It also comes in other sizes, including a 20-inch carry-on, a larger checked glider and more.

Dimensions22.5" x 11" x 22.5"
Weight7.6 lbs
MaterialPolycarbonate
ExpandableYes
9
Best Underseat

Samsonite Solyte Underseater

Solyte Underseater
Credit: Samsonite

Pros

  • Abrasion-resistant
  • Features padded laptop sleeve and toiletry compartments
  • Comfortable telescopic handle

Cons

  • Design looks “dated,” according to some testers

We love this other pick from the Solyte collection, a compact underseat bag that you should be able to bring with you wherever you’re seated. Ideal for both business and leisure travel, it features a padded laptop sleeve, mesh zippered pockets for toiletries, a USB port (battery not included) and more. Our pros found that it was easy to roll through airports, and we appreciate that a luggage sleeve is built-in so you can slide it over a larger bag’s handle.

In abrasion tests, Samsonite’s polyester fabric showed no signs of wear and we found the telescopic handle easy to adjust. Testers gave the handle high scores for its sturdiness and comfort, though some wish that the bag’s design looked a bit more modern.

RELATED: Best Underseat Luggage Pieces, According to Travel Experts

Dimensions17.5" x 14" x 8.25"
Weight5.9 lbs
MaterialPolyester
ExpandableNo
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10
Best Backpack

Samsonite Silhouette Backpack

Silhouette Backpack

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Features organization compartments similar to a suitcase
  • Can be converted to a shoulder bag or briefcase
  • Built-in luggage sleeve

Cons

  • Smaller interior capacity

Weekend trips and quick getaways don’t always require a bulky suitcase, which is why our pros recommend this lightweight travel backpack. Part of the Silhouette collection, its design is both sleek and practical and made to help you stay organized. It opens up like a hardshell suitcase and features functional sections as well as a handy padded laptop sleeve and expandable water bottle pocket.

It’s made with the same abrasion-resistant polyester fabric you'll find in other Samsonite softside luggage so you don’t have to worry about it going through TSA machines. Our pros love that a luggage sleeve is built-in if you want to pair it with a carry-on. Also unique is that you can convert it into a shoulder bag or briefcase, thanks to its extra handles and straps. Still, it does have a smaller interior capacity.

Dimensions20" x 12.5" x 7"
Weight3.3 lbs
MaterialPolyester
ExpandableNo

How we test luggage

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Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been testing Samsonite luggage in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers for decades. Our evaluations combine proprietary test methods using specialized equipment with an obstacle course for consumer testers to navigate. Though luggage models change over the years, we’ve tested more than 20 pieces of Samsonite luggage in recent years and continue to do so regularly.

Each piece of luggage is reviewed for the following factors:

✔️ Size, weight and ease of packing: Each suitcase is weighed while empty. We then check its measurements to make sure it meets restrictions for common airlines. Additionally, we asses how easy it is to open and close zippers and whether packing compartments are accessible and convenient.

✔️ Packing capacity: We score luggage on how much they are able to hold, based on a standard load (for instance, a carry-on suitcase is packed with clothing, accessories and toiletries for a three-day, two-night trip).

✔️ Drop tests: To mimic real use, luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from different angles repeatedly from a 3-foot height via a specialized machine. Analysts then check for signs of damage.

✔️ Extra features: Luggage is evaluated for additional components such as handles on the side that make it easy to lift and lower, built-in locks, telescopic handles with adjustable height options and more.

✔️ Abrasion-, scratch- and water-resistance tests: To rate the durability of the exterior surface, we perform scratch tests on hardside luggage and abrasion tests on softside luggage using Lab equipment. Next, we insert blotting paper inside zippers and pour water onto the case to measure how much seeps through to the inside.

✔️ Consumer tests: Luggage is filled with a standard load and then taken through an obstacle course by consumer testers. This requires lifting and rolling around cones, going in and out of doorways, over various surfaces and more. Reviewers then provide feedback on factors such as ease of use, sturdiness, wheel performance and maneuverability. They also share feedback on appearance and overall satisfaction.

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best luggage brands samsonite luggage testing at good housekeeping
LEXIE SACHS

A consumer tester rolling the Samsonite Freeform carry-on through an obstacle course at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

What to look for when shopping for luggage

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✔️ Type: The first question to ask yourself is whether you prefer hardside or softside luggage. While both types have performed well in Lab tests, each material has its own set of pros and cons.

  • Hardside luggage has become increasingly popular for its durability, attractiveness and lightweight design, but you should pay close attention to the material it's made of. Polycarbonate is the most common material you’ll find, and it’s known for high-impact resistance though may be susceptible to scratches. Aluminum is durable but tends to be heavier and more expensive (making it less common), while ABS plastic is more affordable and lightweight but not as durable as polycarbonate.
  • Softside luggage, on the other hand, is fabric-based and may be easier to squeeze into tight spaces as well as fill up with more items. The materials used for softside luggage typically don’t show scratches or dents, though certain fabrics can abrade more easily over time. Our pros recommend nylon over polyester if you prefer a highly durable fabric, while polyester tends to be lighter and more affordable.

✔️ Size: Do you prefer a carry-on suitcase that you can bring with you onto an airplane or fit into a train’s overhead compartment? Or do you want a checked suitcase that follows you to your destination and can hold a larger load? Keep in mind that while a larger suitcase can fit more inside, it’ll weigh more and take up more storage space.

✔️ Weight: Consider how much your suitcase weighs as well as airline weight limits when packing. Not only is a heavier suitcase a burden to carry while traveling, but it can cost you extra fees. Keep in mind that hardside luggage isn’t always heavier than softside luggage, but components such as wheels and handles can add extra weight.

✔️ Wheels: Four-wheel luggage is easier to maneuver as it can be pushed, pulled and moved in all directions as well as tipped back. Two-wheelers can only roll when tilted and are unable to go side to side.

✔️ Handles: Check that the telescopic handle is easy to lift and lower, as well as comfortable to hold. Side handles are another nice bonus that are especially handy on carry-on luggage since they can make it easier to lift and lower your luggage while traveling.

✔️ Compartments: Do you prefer a large open space that can hold a large load, or smaller compartments to help you stay organized? Some luggage also comes with exterior pockets for easy access to devices, books or other accessories, though this may take away from packing space on the bag’s interior.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees a wide range of travel content, including luggage. She has been evaluating suitcases for over a decade and has personally tried out many of these luggage brands in her own travels, including flights, road trips, train rides and more.

This story was written by GH Institute writer and analyst, Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from tech to travel, home, fitness and more. She frequently collaborates with the Textiles Lab and selected the picks above based on the Lab's most recent evaluations and feedback. An avid traveler herself, she’s tested dozens of suitcases over the years when traveling internationally and domestically.

Headshot of Olivia Lipski
Olivia Lipski
Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst

Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.


Headshot of Lexie Sachs
Tested byLexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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