The Best Luggages in 2025: Top Picks by Category

From innovative features to elevated design, 2025 delivered some impressive luggage options that stood out for both casual travelers and frequent flyers. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a long-haul international journey, the best luggages in 2025 combined form, function, and fresh thinking in ways that made travel easier — and a little more stylish.

Here’s our roundup of the top luggage models of the year, broken down by what they do best.

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At a Glance: Best Luggages in 2025

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1. Best Overall: Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

Among all the luggage released or refined this year, no single model struck a better balance of function, design, and versatility than Away’s The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket. It’s the rare suitcase that checks nearly every box: stylish but durable, structured yet spacious, and modern without overcomplicating things.

What secured its spot as the best overall luggage in 2025 was its universal appeal — trusted by casual travelers and road warriors alike. Whether you're hopping on a weekend flight or packing smart for international travel, this carry-on adapts, performs, and holds up beautifully.

Why it stood out:

• Compression system maximizes internal space without overstuffing
• Sleek polycarbonate shell offers durability without unnecessary weight
• External pocket adds functionality for laptops, passports, or quick-access items

Trade-off:

While its hard shell protects contents and keeps its shape well, it offers little flexibility for travelers who tend to overpack. It’s also priced above many softside competitors — a consideration for budget-conscious buyers or infrequent flyers.

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2. Best for Frequent Flyers: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Expandable Carry-On

For travelers who live out of a suitcase, durability and reliability aren't optional — they're non-negotiable. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Expandable Carry-On earned its place as the best luggage for frequent flyers in 2025 thanks to its exceptional construction, smart expandability, and an industry-leading lifetime warranty that actually covers airline damage.

Designed for efficiency, its compression-expansion system increases packing space without bulging, while the sturdy ballistic nylon exterior shrugs off scuffs, bumps, and heavy handling with ease. This is the kind of luggage that’s built to fly often and last for years.

Why it stood out:

• Rugged ballistic nylon resists wear and abrasion
• CX™ compression-expansion system adds space without bulk
• True lifetime warranty covers even airline damage — rare in the industry

Trade-off:

While the build quality is top-tier, the overall design leans traditional and may not appeal to those who prioritize minimalist or modern aesthetics. It's also heavier than many polycarbonate carry-ons and comes at a premium price — a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers, but potentially overbuilt for occasional flyers.

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3. Best Design: BÉIS The Carry-On Roller

For travelers who see luggage as part of their overall look — while still demanding thoughtful features — this piece clearly stands out. The BÉIS Carry-On Roller earned its place as the best-design luggage of the year thanks to its seamless blend of high style, smart functionality, and approachable pricing.

With a hard-shell exterior, cushioned handle, and subtle details (like a built-in weight indicator), it sets a new standard for travel gear that looks as good rolling through the airport as it does parked at the resort.

Why it stood out:

• Sophisticated hard-shell design in a range of chic color options
• Built-in organizational extras, including expandable shell and compression flap
• Luxury feel without the luxury markup

Trade-off:

While the aesthetic and functional details are impressive, the shell may be more prone to scuffing or minor dents under aggressive baggage handling. And at 8.3 lbs, it’s slightly heavier than ultra-light carry-ons, which may matter for travelers chasing weight limits.

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4. Best for Organization: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original

When organization and efficiency top your travel priorities, the Solgaard Carry-On Closet earned its place as the best luggage for organization in 2025. Its patented shelving system turns the interior into a mobile wardrobe — enabling easy access, smart packing, and reduced unpacking stress.

The hard-shell exterior, USB pass-through port, and lifetime warranty round out its appeal, making it a top choice for travelers who like everything in its place.

Why it stood out:

• Patented five-shelf system turns your suitcase into a compact closet
• Durable polycarbonate shell with aluminum frame and lifetime warranty
• USB pass-through port and 360° wheels for added convenience

Trade-off:

While the built-in shelving system is great for organization, it does limit flexible packing space — especially for bulkier items. Travelers who tend to overpack or need to adapt on the fly might find the fixed structure more constraining than helpful.

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5. Best Checked Luggage: July Checked Plus

For travelers packing for extended trips, the July Checked Plus stood out as the best checked luggage in 2025. With its 110-liter base capacity (expandable to 120L), aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, and smart features like a hidden laundry bag and compression system, this suitcase made long-haul travel feel less chaotic and more refined.

It’s sleek, smooth-rolling, and thoughtfully built — perfect for those who pack big but still want to travel smart.

Why it stood out:

• Huge capacity with compression system to keep things tidy
• Durable polycarbonate shell with anodized aluminum bumpers
• Hidden laundry bag and ultra-quiet wheels for stress-free handling

Trade-off:

The generous size and upscale materials come with added weight and a higher price point. While perfect for long journeys, it may feel excessive for short trips or travelers who prefer minimalist packing.

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6. Best Lightweight Luggage: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Carry‑On

For travellers who aim to travel smart and stay within carry‑on weight limits, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 earned the title of the best lightweight luggage in 2025 thanks to its ultra‑light construction, functional design, and reliable performance.

At roughly 5½ lbs (offerings vary by size), it seamlessly blends portability with practicality—making it an ideal companion for minimalist packers, frequent flyers, or anyone who prefers to skip the checked baggage queue.

Why it stood out:

• One of the lightest expandable carry‑ons available in its category—reducing the strain on your wrist and simplifying overhead bin placement.
• Smooth‑rolling spinner wheels and upright stability make navigating airports and tight corners easier.
• Thoughtfully designed soft‑side front panel gives quick access to essentials like a jacket, documents, or power bank without fully opening the main compartment.

Trade‑off:

Because its emphasis is on lightness, the materials are thinner than those found in more rugged or premium build‑suitcases. That means if you’re expecting heavy handling or overpacking for long haul trips, it might offer less protection than hard‑shell models. Also, since its price is higher than ultrabasic carry‑ons, if you only travel once or twice a year you might not need all the advantages it offers.

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7. Best Aluminum Build: RIMOWA Essential Cabin S

For travelers who want high-end design with serious durability, the RIMOWA Essential Cabin S stood out as the best aluminum-build luggage in 2025. Its sleek profile, engineered structure, and signature MultiWheel® system make it more than just a suitcase — it’s a piece of travel gear that performs as sharply as it looks.

With its smooth roll, resilient polycarbonate-aluminum blend, and iconic design language, it’s a favorite among travelers who value performance and prestige in equal measure.

Why it stood out:

• Lightweight and impact-resistant with a rigid shell that holds up over time
• MultiWheel® system ensures ultra-smooth 360° mobility
• Clean, minimalist design with smart internal dividers

Trade-off:

The premium design comes at a premium price — and while the build quality is superb, it lacks the flexibility of softside options. Travelers who frequently overpack or need expandable capacity may find it too rigid, both physically and in terms of cost.

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8. Best Large Capacity Luggage: Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage

For travelers packing for extended trips, shared suitcases, or colder climates that demand bulk, the Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage delivered on size without compromising on style or function. With a tall 30.25" frame, hard shell design, and built-in expansion, it earned its place as the best large capacity luggage in 2025.

The metallic finish gives it standout presence at baggage claim, while smooth spinner wheels and an organized interior help it handle the weight with grace.

Why it stood out:

• Spacious main compartment with built-in expansion
• Hard shell exterior adds protection without extra weight
• Sleek metallic finishes and smooth-rolling dual spinner wheels

Trade-off:

Its generous size is a double-edged sword — while great for longer travel, it’s easy to go over airline weight limits if you’re not careful. The hard shell offers durability, but less flexibility for oddly shaped items, and the price might feel high for infrequent travelers who rarely check bags.

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9. Best Smart Features: Samsonite ICON Spinner Carry-On

When travel meets technology, this carry‑on stood out as the best smart‑features luggage in 2025. With its integrated USB port and intuitive organizational design, it caters to travelers who want seamless connectivity and agility on the move. Whether you’re charging devices mid‑journey or navigating busy terminals, this model delivers smart utility without compromising style.

Why it stood out:

• Built‑in USB charger keeps gadgets powered even when you’re en route
• Structured interior offers smart storage zones for tech, cables and essentials
• Durable spinner wheels and a sleek shell make it business‑ready and airport‑proof

Trade‑off:

Though packed with useful tech features, the added electronics slightly increase the weight compared to ultra‑minimal models. The smart functionality may be more than needed for occasional travelers, and if you seldom use the USB port, the premium for “smart” may not feel fully justified.

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10. Best Budget Pick: Amazon Basics 21‑Inch Hardside Carry‑On Luggage

For travelers who want solid performance without a high-end price tag, this model stood out as the best budget luggage in 2025. Its hard‑shell spinner design loads in under $100, yet delivers surprisingly smooth glide, carry‑on compliance, and enough internal structure to keep organized. Reviews highlight it as a “best budget” option that holds up better than expected for the price.

Why it stood out:

• Exceptional value: hard-shell carry-on at a fraction of premium brands
• Lightweight enough for many overhead-bin limits, making it accessible to budget-conscious flyers
• Simplified design with spinner wheels and basic organization makes it an easy step up from entry-level luggage

Trade‑off:

You won’t get the premium materials, lifetime warranties, or advanced internal organization of higher-end models. The durability, while good for the price category, may not match the heavy-duty use of premium build luggage. If you travel often or pack irregularly shaped items, you might encounter limitations sooner than you would with a more expensive suitcase.

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Editor’s Note

The best luggages in 2025 reflected more than just trends — they answered real travel needs with smarter features, stronger materials, and better design thinking. Whether you're chasing status upgrades or simply looking for something that won't fall apart on a second trip, these ten picks showed up for travelers in all the right ways. As gear evolves, the essentials stay the same: durability, functionality, and style that travels well. These were the standouts that did it best.