rabbit.reviews

The Best Luggage

Updated April 2026·Experts: Wirecutter, WIRED, CNET

Best Overall

Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On

$500-$700
$500-$700 at Amazon→

If you want luggage you'll never have to buy again, Briggs & Riley is the answer. The warranty alone makes the premium price worth it for anyone who travels more than a few times a year.

What holds up

  • Unconditional lifetime warranty covers airline damage and complimentary repairs
  • Higher proportion of usable interior space than competing spinners per Wirecutter testing
  • Every detail, zippers, wheels, handles, built to highest standards
  • Wrinkle-resistant suit compartment for business travelers

What to know

  • Significantly more expensive than most competitors ($500-$700+)
  • Heavier than ultralight options like Travelpro Maxlite
  • Overkill for occasional or budget travelers
What people say
Briggs & Riley is expensive good luggage... Complimentary repairs for life.
Reddit user (r/BuyItForLife)
Get it for $500-$700
Read the full breakdown →
Best Value

Travelpro Platinum Elite

$150-$350
$150-$350 at Amazon→

Travelpro is the sweet spot between price and performance, it's what airline crews actually use, and that's the most honest endorsement luggage can get.

What holds up

  • Lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects for wheels, zippers, and handles
  • Consistently ranked at or near the top of best luggage lists
  • Significantly lighter than premium competitors
  • Well-priced relative to build quality

What to know

  • Airline damage only covered for first year (unlike Briggs & Riley's unconditional warranty)
  • Must ship to Travelpro repair center at your cost after year one
  • Front pockets can push dimensions over some airlines' carry-on limits
What people say
TravelPro is almost always at or near the top of 'best luggage' lists.
Reddit user (r/travel)
Get it for $150-$350
Read the full breakdown →
Best Premium Hardshell

Rimowa Original

$700-$1,500
$700-$1,500 at Amazon→

Rimowa is the one piece of luggage people keep for decades and brag about. If you want something that signals serious traveler and actually backs it up with durability, this is it.

What holds up

  • Iconic aluminum or polycarbonate construction handles extreme baggage handler abuse
  • Develops character over time, scratches and dents tell travel stories
  • Lifetime guarantee and global repair network
  • Compact enough for carry-on with serious interior organization

What to know

  • Very expensive ($700-$1,500+)
  • Aluminum version is heavy compared to polycarbonate competitors
  • Scratches and dents are inevitable, some find this distressing rather than charming
What people say
Rimowa is my pick. I can do a 10 day trip with that and my shoulder bag easy.
Reddit user (r/QantasFrequentFlyer)
Get it for $700-$1,500
Read the full breakdown →
Best Mid-Range

Away Carry-On

$275-$375
$275-$375 at Amazon→

Away hit a sweet spot that no one else had found: genuinely good luggage at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. It's not the absolute best, but it's the best for most people.

What holds up

  • Lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects
  • Clean, minimal aesthetic available in wide range of colors
  • Polycarbonate shell is lightweight yet durable
  • Built-in TSA-approved combination lock

What to know

  • More expensive than Samsonite at similar quality tier
  • Battery-equipped versions banned on some airlines
  • Not as durable long-term as Briggs & Riley or Travelpro per frequent flyer communities
What people say
Most WIRED staffers have the basic Away polycarbonate carry-on ($275).
WIRED
Get it for $275-$375
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget

Samsonite Hardside Spinner

$80-$250
$80-$250 at Amazon→

Samsonite is the safe, sensible choice, not flashy, not the absolute best, but it won't let you down and you can find it everywhere. Perfect for occasional travelers who don't want to overthink it.

What holds up

  • Widely available and easy to find replacement parts or repairs
  • Strong brand reputation built over decades
  • Good range of sizes and styles at accessible price points
  • American Tourister (sister brand) offers even lower prices with similar quality

What to know

  • Warranty not as comprehensive as Briggs & Riley or Travelpro Platinum Elite
  • Mid-range models can feel plasticky compared to premium competitors
  • Less distinctive design, hard to spot on baggage carousel
What people say
Samsonite offers great value, Briggs & Riley unmatched durability.
Reddit user (r/ManyBaggers)
Get it for $80-$250
Read the full breakdown →