12 best packing cubes to help you fit more in your case

Score: 91/100

We’re big fans of Antler’s premium luggage here at the Good Housekeeping Institute – the brand features in our best suitcases and cabin bags roundups. So, we were interested to see how its packing cubes fared in testing, and we weren't disappointed. They’re so well-made – with sturdy zips, water-resistant fabric and a lifetime warranty to boot – that our tester declared them the best quality buy they'd seen.

The set contains four cubes, giving you plenty of capacity and versatility when packing. And mesh front panels make it easy to see what’s inside. Testers managed to fit 15 shirts into the medium cube when it was uncompressed, and 13 when they used the compression system. None of the clothes creased when it was thrown about, either.

The set isn’t the cheapest, but we think the quality design makes it well worth the extra cash.

Score: 90/100

This set of two cubes was sleek yet robust. The opaque fabric means you can peek at what’s inside, and the cubes have robust seams to hold their shape. The compression zip worked well, and we were able to fit about 12 shirts inside.

It’s water repellant, too, but you’ll have to hand wash it when you want to clean it. Our testers would also have liked the option to buy a bigger size for jumpers and chunkier items. Overall, though, this set is a thoughtfully designed, quality buy.

Score: 90/100

You can’t see inside this compression cube, but it impressed on test nonetheless. For starters, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, and 13 shirts fitted comfortably inside when compressed (it managed 15 when not). It was well made too, and testers loved the addition of an extra compartment for popping in the odd dirty item or worn underwear.

While the cubes were generally water resistant overall, there was some water absorption around the zip, so if you have a spillage in your case, it may not keep everything out. That's a small niggle though. The cubes are only available individually but they’re a premium pick.

Score: 85/100

Over packers, this set’s for you as it includes six cubes, making it easier than ever to organise all your belongings. A mesh front also means you can easily see inside, even if that limits how waterproof the cubes are.

When compressed, there was room for 10 shirts, and our tester loved that the accompanying instructions detail the best way to fold everything. They pack away compactly, too.

Score: 84/100

Away is always a winner in the style stakes, and these packing cubes are no exception. Available in the brand's classic range of muted tones, you could match them with your suitcase or opt for a complementary colour.

The cubes aren’t compression ones, but the set of four still helps you pack neatly with room for 13 shirts in the medium cube. Our clothes didn’t crease and the mesh tops allow you to see what's inside. They would let water in, but the chances of a spillage in your suitcase are low, so that doesn't worry us too much. As with everything from Away, these are a chic pick.

Score: 83/100

There are a few different size options available in this set, and testers really liked that you can get four of the bigger cubes together, making them ideal if you’re packing hold luggage for a longer trip.

They aren’t the fanciest design we tried – they won’t compress your luggage, for example. But the mesh tops give you a good view inside. Given how spacious they are, it's not surprising that they aren't that compact to store. They’re also hand-wash only. But for their low price, we would expect a little compromise.

Score: 82/100

These cubes have a smart, modern look. The set of three contained one that was large enough for a jumper or two, and the medium held eight shirts when compressed. The zips are good quality, too.

These cubes come with a lifetime guarantee, and you can machine wash them if they need a freshen-up. So, your clothes can travel in the clean, protected environment they deserve.

Score: 77/100

You’ll be able to divvy up your whole suitcase with this set of eight cubes, which also includes a makeup bag and drawstring bag. Note that they aren’t compression cubes and our tester found the packing straps inside didn’t make much difference to the overall use.

But the medium size had ample room for 12 shirts, so this shouldn’t impact things too much – especially if you’re organising hold luggage. And the mesh tops let you see what’s inside some of them at a quick glance. A versatile, budget-friendly set.

Score: 76/100

With their durable design, Patagonia’s cubes are a great investment if you’re backpacking or camping, as they’re fully water resistant (and demonstrated this in our lab, too). They’re made of recycled materials, with adventure and the environment in mind. But they're sold separately, so your bill could add up if you need a few.

We've linked to the larger 14-litre cube as the smaller sizes aren't currently available, but with the six-litre size we tested, our experts were able to fit six shirts inside. The larger option would be good for chunkier garments, and as these aren’t compression cubes, it’s worth considering exactly what you want to use it for before you buy.

While the shirts creased a little, our tester loved the fact that the cube is divided into two zip-up compartments, meaning you can keep everything even more organised.

Score: 75/100

Coming in a set of three, these would be best used for a short break or for keeping sweaty workout gear separate from the rest of your belongings. The large cube held nine shirts when completely full but lacks a compression zip for squeezing more into your bag.

Mesh windows allow you to see inside without unzipping and testers liked that the cubes wiped down well without water soaking through. There are also four colourways available so your packing solutions can be just as stylish as your choice of suitcase.

Score: 74/100

With a robust structure, which held its shape well during testing, our cotton shirts emerged from this packing cube ready-to-wear with minimal creasing.

The compression system shrunk the 5.5-litre cube down to 2.5-litres, yet we still managed to fit in nine shirts, making room for more clothes and belongings in the rest of the suitcase.

You can buy the cubes individually or as a pack of three, making it easy to build up your supply as needed.

Score: 74/100

This lightweight set is ideal for backpackers or campers who need to keep their luggage light, but organised. The material can be completely scrunched up, which is handy for storing; however, this does mean the cubes aren’t great for stacking inside a suitcase. Despite this, we managed to fit eight shirts inside and they emerged still wearable (except for one small crumple).

Any stains wiped off with ease and testers appreciated the string puller on the zip, which makes opening and closing that little bit simpler. For keeping dirty laundry separate on your travels, this is a good value set.