Whether it’s being shoved into a tight underseat space, tossed into a car trunk or propelled down a carousel, your suitcase is often put through the ringer. With this in mind, we sought out the best hardside luggage that keeps your belongings safe and secure in transit. Our travel team personally tested multiple options and chose the Away Bigger Carry-On as the best overall pick, thanks to it being durable, easy to clean and relatively affordable. For international travel, the Aer Carry-On scored high marks from our testers thanks to its ideal size, streamlined design and smooth wheels.
Drawing on tested insights from our editorial team, eight suitcases earned high marks across a range of categories.
Away’s Bigger Carry-On is an excellent overall choice for the traveler looking for a reliable hardside suitcase at a reasonable price point. Its durable polycarbonate hardshell is simple to clean and its 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver on days when you really need to book it to your gate. It also comes with a built-in compression system, an ejectable USB for charging electronics on the go and a foldable laundry bag. The brand is known for its modern, sleek design and has a handful of color options to choose from as well as options for check-in sizes. I own this suitcase and have traveled with it to over a dozen countries—and it’s still holding up beautifully. It’s so easy to clean and I’ve never had issues with the zipper snagging, despite stuffing it to the brim multiple times.
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If you’re headed on an international trip, you’ll never have to worry about your belongings being damaged, as Aer’s lightweight polycarbonate shell is highly durable. “It’s a lightweight suitcase that was easy to pick up and lift with a smooth telescoping handle and an easy-to-grasp side handle,” says our tester, who used this suitcase on a recent work trip to Germany. It’s the ideal size for international airline cabins, and can also easily be slid into the overhead bin on trains. It features an internal compression system, a hidden smart tracker pocket, a built-in TSA-approved combination lock and ball-bearing wheels that glide silently over any surface. Its standout feature is undoubtedly its unique integrated brake system, which allows you to lock the wheels when standing still, preventing your suitcase from rolling away—a surprisingly helpful feature.
With its sleek design, fun color offerings and well-made construction, July’s Checked Suitcase is a no-brainer if you’re planning on checking your luggage. Our tester, who has on several multi-leg European trips, highly recommends the brand and notes the smooth-rolling wheels and relatively lightweight feel. This suitcase is also equipped with helpful extras, including stain-proof nylon lining, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry bag and an internal compression system. With its 80-liter capacity, this luggage is excellent for packing for families and trips lasting one to two weeks.
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a durable, high-quality and versatile suitcase. (It earned a top spot in our guide to the best carry-on luggage.) This pick clocks in under $150 and offers travelers many valuable features, including a built-in ID tag, a TSA-approved combination lock, a double-wheel design and a zippered 1-inch expansion panel. “As a chronic overpacker, I love that it’s expandable and has organizational pockets to help separate my clothes and essentials,” says our tester. “It’s so convenient that I typically opt to bring it over a weekender bag even for short trips.” We also appreciate the interior divider with pockets, which helps keep your items organized.
Another Samsonite pick, the lightweight Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner earned high marks from our testers. It features a proprietary, multi-layer material called Roxkin, which is incredibly sturdy and can withstand rough handling—without any of the heaviness. “The suitcase was very light, which made it easy to maneuver,” says our tester, who also noted that even after this suitcase was tossed down a set of concrete stairs, it barely had a scratch on it. Our tester also appreciated the many extra features that made travel days hassle-free: “It has a lock for the zipper that was simple to lock and unlock, and there’s also a USB port to charge your devices.” The interior also feels remarkably organized, with two fabric dividers, removable cross straps and a small zippered pocket for electronics.
Named the most stylish luggage on the market today in our best luggage round-up, Carl Friedrik’s carry-on is sure to turn heads at the airport. The brand has gained a loyal following thanks to its elegant aesthetic and Italian leather trimmings that provide a chic and refined look. This suitcase features 360-degree silent spinner wheels, two zippered interior pockets, a set of compression straps, and a pad to maximize packing space. Our tester traveled with this suitcase on several recent trips and is a fan of its smooth wheels and design. I’ve personally traveled with this option on trips to Mexico City and Rome and love that it has a textured exterior, so scuffing is hard to notice. I normally prefer zip-around luggage, but the lock clicks open and closed so easily and feels very secure. (If you’re still not sold on the built-in locks, check out the brand’s zippered version.)
Durable and lightweight, Rimowa’s luxury suitcases have a reputation for craftsmanship and innovation, and its line of Original Cabin suitcases arguably put the aluminum suitcase on the map (the brand is credited with creating the very first aluminum suitcase in 1937). I traveled with this option on a West Coast trip to California and Oregon, and was very impressed by its smooth-rolling wheels—a feature the brand is particularly celebrated for. I also loved its easy-to-grab handle and Velcro compression system, which made it easy to pack and unpack. While a Rimowa suitcase is definitely an investment, each suitcase comes with a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning you’ll be able to keep for life. For more of my thoughts on this suitcase, read my full review here.
I’ve been a big fan of Monos luggage and have used the brand’s suitcases on many trips, and this carry-on option stands out for its many helpful compartments and extra features. If you’re traveling for work, you’ll likely have a laptop or tablet (perhaps both), and you’ll want to make sure your equipment remains protected yet accessible throughout your journey. The front compartment unzips to reveal three interior pockets: one large enough for a 16-inch laptop, and the other two sized for a tablet and chargers. The front pocket is lockable (you can use any lock of your choice), and there’s also a built-in TSA-approved lock for the main body. Other features include 360-degree spinner wheels, a removable compression pad with a zippered pocket and leather detailing.
How We Tested The Best Hardside Luggage
To determine the best hardside luggage, our travel team sought out trustworthy suitcase brands, including top styles featured in our luggage guides, to find options that fit our criteria. Our selection process combined expert analysis with extensive field testing.
Initial Research
We created a list of eight suitcases to evaluate. Our team analyzed key features, detailed below, to assess overall value and help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs.
- Materials and durability: We sought out suitcases made from durable materials, such as polycarbonate or aluminum, that stand up to rough handling.
- Weight and dimensions: We highlighted both carry-on and checked options, with the lightest suitcase weighing just under five pounds and the heaviest being 10.4 pounds.
- Extra features: We prioritized options with helpful features, including compression systems, TSA-approved luggage locks and zippered pockets.
Real-World Field Testing
Our editors assessed feedback from staff testers who took these suitcases on short weekend trips and on long-haul international flights. Along the way, our testers noted how each suitcase performed in real-world scenarios, highlighting its particular strengths or drawbacks.
Evaluation And Verification
For the final list, we only included luggage that our panelists rated 4 stars or higher for the most important criteria: materials, durability, weight and extra features (such as TSA-approved locks and interior organization). Additionally, our final selections were reviewed by deputy editor Jane Sung, who ensured that each pick was high quality and fit their respective superlatives.
What to Consider When Buying Hardside Luggage
- Size: The size of the luggage you buy must comply with the airline's rules, so check the guidelines for your usual airline. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase. A carry-on suitcase is ideal for trips that last a couple of days to a week, while a checked suitcase can carry enough clothes to last for several weeks.
- Material: Most hardside suitcases are made from either polycarbonate or aluminum. Polycarbonate is a durable thermoplastic with excellent impact resistance. “It’s usually the best choice for most travelers because it’s strong, flexible and not too heavy,” says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator and hardside luggage enthusiast who has visited 30 countries. Aluminum, on the other hand, is heavier and tougher than polycarbonate, but it tends to dent and scratch a bit more easily. Both options keep your belongings safe in transit, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget, as aluminum suitcases are more expensive.
- Color: While a bright color will make your luggage stand out at the airport carousel, keep in mind that lighter shades are more likely to show scuffs and spots. If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade—Away’s The Bigger Carry-On comes in several deep hues. That said, sleek all-black styles like the Aer Carry-On in lack can still stand out from a crowd.
- Extra Features: “I look for extra features like smooth spinner wheels and sturdy handles, which are a big plus when traveling to Europe and can make sure your suitcase withstands cobblestone and rough surfaces,” says Gibson. For added security, consider a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved lock. These are usually combination locks that TSA agents can open with a master key, so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it needs to be inspected. Additionally, if you tend to overpack, consider luggage with an expandable zippered panel for extra storage.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel vertical contains researched, tested and expert-backed guides to help you make the most of your trip. We’ve published dozens of luggage roundups to help you select the best suitcase for all your journeys, near and far.
- Relatedly, we’ve rounded up the best luggage of 2026, the best carry-on bags and the best luggage for international travel.
- This story was written by Astrid Taran, a seven-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries and travels at least twice each month. She has used all types of suitcases on her journeys—including many on this list—and tested them on planes, trains, buses and boats.
- Katherine Louie, the coauthor of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has written multiple luggage guides, including the best softside luggage and the best underseat luggage.
- All of the picks in this story were reviewed by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel section. She also edited this piece and has reported on travel gear and destinations for over a decade.
- We regularly update our articles to guarantee the best product selection and prices available. This story was last updated in March 2026.
Our Experts
- Ally Gibson is a travel content creator who has visited 30 countries and prefers traveling with a hard-shell option for added protection. Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is her go-to and always holds up, no matter where her travels take her.