The Best Hard-Shell Luggage, Tested By Our Editors

Weight: 10.1 lb.
Dimensions: 26" x 18.5" x 11.2"
Capacity: 80L–90L
Expandable: Yes

“This suitcase feels much more durable than others I’ve tried in the past,” says commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. The dent-resistant shell is so sleek and has held up well for her after several trips. Kenny's favorite thing about this large suitcase is how well-designed its interior is. One side of the suitcase features a zippered compartment with a large mesh section that lets you keep your items organized and separated (which is especially handy for dirty clothes or shoes). On the other side of the suitcase, a divider and compression straps help bulky clothing fit neatly. “I chronically overpack, so having the compression straps really make a difference,” says Kenny. “The expandable wraparound zipper adds 1.6" of depth to the luggage, so travelers can easily pack for at least two weeks with this suitcase.” This is best for the overpacker who really relies on those extra few inches from the expandable zipper. And thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels and adjustable telescopic handle, the bag is easy to navigate through the airport, uneven sidewalks, and even cobblestone streets. “It glides smoothly and effortlessly, and the handle was easy to adjust on the go,” says Kenny.

Pros: Expandable zipper, TSA-approved lock, compression straps and interior divider
Cons: Somewhat heavy

Weight: 10.8 lb. 
Dimensions: 20.4" x 30.9" x 13.4"
Capacity: 122.3L
Expandable: Yes

For a large check-in suitcase, this option from Antler is fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver. With an expandable zipper, sleek design, and double zip pockets and compression straps on the inside, this bag is ideal for trips between two and three weeks long. “Despite being lightweight, it’s a very sturdy case," says research associate Anna Gladwin. “The case has 360-degree spinner wheels and glides very smoothly and quietly.” Plus, the top handle can be adjusted to suit people of different heights, while the side handle slots discreetly into the case when not in use, which creates a seamless silhouette.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, lightweight, wheels glide smoothly
Cons: Lighter colors scuff and scratch fairly easily

Weight: 11.8 lb.
Dimensions: 28" x 18" x 11"
Capacity: 77L
Expandable: No

Among the most aesthetically pleasing on the list is Paravel's checked-size bag, the Aviator Grand. It's the rare suitcase that can call itself 100 percent carbon neutral—Paravel offsets the cost of the emissions that come from sourcing, assembly, shipping, and delivering the bag to you, as well as from your first trip (based on an average flight). The bag's materials are sourced sustainably, too: It's constructed with a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, recycled nylon lining, and vegan leather trim. Beyond that, it's a handsome and chic bag you'll be happy to roll through the airport on that long-awaited next trip, with plenty of room inside. While testing it out, senior commerce editor Madison Flager fit two weeks worth of clothing inside, plus four pairs of shoes and a Dopp kit, and still had room to spare. Other highlights: a smooth, comfortable handle wrapped in vegan leather, carbon steel bearing wheels, and a sturdy (and easy-to-clean) nylon interior lining.
Pros: Sustainably made, rolled smoothly on uneven surfaces, textured exterior to hide scuffs
Cons: Quite a bit of branding on the exterior and interior, which some may not be a fan of

Weight: 10.7 lb.
Dimensions: 24.8" x 14.5" x 11.8"
Capacity: 91L
Expandable: No

Organized travelers who are quick to unpack the second they arrive will adore this pick, thanks to its built-in accordion clothing organizer. “[The accordion organizer] brilliantly can be packed full, then condensed to fit right into the suitcase,” says articles associate director Megan Spurrell. “When you arrive, you can hang the contraption from [the suitcase] handlebar, or string it up in the closet. It’s genius.” The check-in bag comes in two sizes, medium and large, and aside from the clothing organizer, it also features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure on the other side of the bag to keep everything in place. “The name ‘check-in closet’ is seriously accurate,” says Spurrell. It can easily fit three weeks of clothing and shoes, and the latch closure snaps shut with ease even when packed to the brim.
Pros: Built-in organizer, sturdy, easy to roll
Cons: Not everyone is a fan of the latch closure

Weight: 12.3 lb.
Dimensions: 30" x 18" x 13.5"
Capacity: 108L
Expandable: Yes

“I love the look and feel of this suitcase,” says social media associate manager Kayla Brock, who brought the suitcase on a two-week trip around Europe and was able to comfortably fit 14 different outfits in the many mesh interior pockets. “The inside feels very elegant and spacious,” says Brock. “One feature that is quite cool is the external USB A and C ports and external access battery pocket.” We also appreciate the non-mesh compartment that is water-resistant, perfect for storing any damp items or toiletries.

Pros: USB A and C ports, spacious interior, water-resistant compartment
Cons: Scratches easily, fairly heavy and not as smooth to roll

Weight: 10.2 lb.
Dimensions: 28" x 18" x 11"
Capacity: 78–94L
Expandable: Yes

This expandable suitcase is another favorite of Kenny, who brought it on a nine-day trip to Italy last summer. The Check-In Roller from Béis stands out for its roomy interior and smart compartments. “What I love most is the interior—pockets galore,” says Kenny. There are two separate sides—one for stuffing as many packing cubes in as you can; that side comes with compression straps. The other side can be completely zipped and has two zippered pockets on top. “It was like having two built-in packing cubes: I used one pocket to keep a wedding guest dress safe and the other for my large bottles of sunscreen—just in case anything spilled in transit. For the first time ever as an overpacker, I had room to spare,” says Kenny. “When I repacked before my flight home from Italy, I was able to fit several new shirts and souvenirs for my family and a new thick sweatshirt I bought in Florence.”
Pros: Luggage weight indicator, TSA-approved combination lock, compression straps, two laundry bags
Cons: The beige color shows the few scuffs it left

Weight: 10.4 lb.
Dimensions: 26" x 18" x 11"
Capacity: 68.8L
Expandable: No

While you could go larger with The Large or The Large Flex, this one got associate editor Charlie Hobbs through two weeks of travel without needing to do laundry; if you need more space, we'd recommend shifting to a trunk-style bag. Hobbs calls the bag “perfectly light” when empty, with an unassuming interior—one compartment closes, the other side is held in by compression straps. While he'd expect “a smidgeon more durability” at the price point, the bag does exactly what you want it to: rolls well, is easy to haul up and down as needed, especially with the new underside handle, and comes with both a dust bag and a laundry bag. If you own a smaller Away bag, it will nest inside this one for more compact storage.
Pros: Fits plenty of stuff, fair enough price point
Cons: Susceptible to very visible scuffing

Weight: 8.1 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10"
Capacity: 47L
Expandable: No

Arlo Skye's The Zipper Carry-On Max is Spurrell's favorite suitcase of all time. “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to week-long getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” It's surprisingly roomy for a carry-on and has an impressively resistant shell. “This bag looks sleek, but is totally durable,” says Spurrell. “I’ve checked it on a few occasions, and it always survives being chucked onto the baggage carousel with little to no evidence of the journey.”
Pros: Front pocket, roomy interior, comes with a removable charger
Cons: Not expandable

Weight: 7.74 lb. 
Dimensions: 22.75" x 15" x 10"
Capacity: 44L
Expandable: No

The visuals for this bag are simply sublime, with an elegant, timeless design that manages to not be too over-the-top. “The lines and details are reminiscent of vintage luggage, while still having all the modern bells and whistles,” says transportation and travel news associate editor, Hannah Towey, who recently took the bag with her on a flight to Paris to the Olympics. “The interior is a gorgeous Vermillion color with dual compartments, compression straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket for storing your delicates,” says Towey. “I was able to fit a week’s worth of clothes and three pairs of shoes.” We also appreciate that it comes with a luxe shoe bag and laundry bag. For the traveler who knows how to pack light and wants to look good while doing so, this is the bag for you.
Pros: Luxury aesthetics, USB port, TSA-approved lock
Cons: The shell got a small dent after being checked on a flight

Weight: 8.2 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Capacity: 43.7L
Expandable: No

As with the Aviator Grand, Paravel's carry-on is beloved for more than just its retro Wes Anderson–style designs. It's made using eco-friendly materials, like recycled zippers and a lining crafted out of upcycled plastic water bottles, and comes in beautiful shades like scout tan and safari green. Inside, one half zips fully closed and has an additional zip pocket of its own, while the other is covered by a compression board. It's a favorite of Spurrell, who has brought it on trips to Mexico City, Lisbon, Los Angeles, and more.
Pros: Smooth, sturdy spinner wheels and a texture finish add to its overall durability
Cons: No charger, could use a few additional pockets

Weight: 7.9 lb. 
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9"
Capacity: 47.9L
Expandable: No

Away's The Bigger Carry-On is great for travelers looking to stretch the limits of what a carry-on can usually handle. Flager has used the brand's previous iteration for years (it was redesigned in 2023), packing it on trips as long as 11 days. Editorial assistant Jessica Chapel is a fan of the updated model, especially for its durable wheels, underside grab handle, and multiple interior compartments. This bestseller comes with a laundry bag and features interior compression straps that helps you fit extra clothing. 
Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps
Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Weight: 6.8 lb. 
Dimensions: 22.8" x 15.6" x 10.5"
Capacity: 48L
Expandable: Yes

“Quince's Expandable Carry-On may be my new favorite suitcase,” says Brock. It's ultra-lightweight at just 6.8 pounds, making it easy to lift into overhead compartments, in the back of cars, or up and down staircases. It’s also deceptively roomy, fitting up to two weeks’ worth of clothes and shoes, with plenty of room in the mesh compartments. With an expandable zipper, you can also add an extra inch of space for your clothing if necessary. “The suitcase easily glides through the airport, is very lightweight and easy to place in overhead bins, and has a removable laundry bag to separate my clean and dirty clothes,” says Brock. 
Pros: Smooth wheels, large capacity, lightweight
Cons: Light colors get scratched easily

Weight: 6.4 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10"
Expandable: Yes

Well-seasoned travelers who aren’t too bothered with picking out the most fashion-forward luggage will appreciate the reliability and functionality of this Samsonite suitcase. Associate social media manager Emily Adler found it to be easy to lift, roll smoothly, and hold up well without any scratches or hardware issues. “It can fit a week’s worth of clothing if you’re planning ahead very practically,” she says. “The interior is pretty standard with a few pockets as well as a panel divider and compression straps that’s helpful to keep down anything on the non-zipper side.” The sturdy hard-shell, smooth wheels and handle, and expansion zipper are the clear MVPs of this bag. Adler also notes that it looks particularly sleek and elevated in black.
Pros: Rolls nicely, easy to use without any tricky features, expandable zipper
Cons: Slightly smaller than some other carry-on options

Weight: 8.36 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"
Capacity: 49–61L
Expandable: Yes

Béis's popular carry-on suitcase is worth the hype. “I would recommend this for a traveler who is an exclusive team carry-on member,” says commerce writer Paris Wilson. She managed to fit at least 14 outfits, plus four pairs of shoes and two purses, inside on a trip to the Florida Keys. The bag itself is easy to pick up—“I was able to bring it down from the overhead bin myself as well as move it in and out of the trunk of the rental car easily”—and easy to look at: “I got so many compliments on how pretty the carry-on was while in the airport and on vacation.” The color is beautiful, the size is ideal, and the ribbed exterior adds some really cool dimensions.
Pros: Weight indicator, comfortable handle, interior zippered pockets
Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

Weight: 3.9 lb.
Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7"
Capacity: 32L
Expandable: No

July bills itself as having the lightest carry-on in the world, and it is in fact the lightest our team has found at just under four pounds when empty. Tested by research director Alexandra Sanidad, the bag “can fit a week’s worth of clothing if you pack lightly, or a weekend’s worth if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits.” It features 360-degree wheels, a water- and stain-proof lining, and TSA-approved locks. “It has two evenly-sized compartments inside, and is very easy to roll and navigate around obstacles on the ground like puddles and trash,” Sanidad says. Order it in one of six classic colors or two limited-edition colors, and know that you can personalize it with your initials, or your pet's face (yep, you read that right).
Pros: Extremely lightweight, smooth wheels, simple design
Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks