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We’ve written about a lot of luggage, and experts we’ve spoken to often prefer hard-shell over soft-shell suitcases. They all pretty much agree that hard-side bags are sturdier and often more durable, as well as easier to wipe clean and slide from luggage racks and overhead bins. Worth noting: They can’t be as easily repaired — a crack will usually be fatal, says Tony Pecorella, the president and CEO of the Manhattan repair shop Modern Leather Goods. So we asked travel writers, former cabin crew, and other frequent fliers about their favorite hard-shell suitcases, and I vetted their picks exhaustively, focusing on warranty, sturdiness and value. If you’re avoiding checked-bag-added costs, these cases are all in carry-on size — but on some budget airlines like Frontier and JetBlue, you do now have to pay for those, too.
What we’re looking for
Material
Most hard-side luggage is made from plastic composites; polycarbonate is the most durable and flexible, but some use the cheaper (and slightly heavier) ABS. More expensive models are made from aluminum — such as the easily recognizable Rimowa case that’s a favorite of Martha Stewart’s. The material best for you will largely depend on the kind of trips you plan on taking. If your vacation involves long weekends at a friend’s beach house, you can get away with a lighter case made of less durable ABS. But if you’re plane- and train-hopping through Europe for the summer or spending several weeks trekking across Southeast Asia, you might want to invest in a sturdier case (like one made of polycarbonate) that can take a knock or two.
Capacity
If you are away for a short break, you’ll likely want a smaller case you can take on the plane as hand luggage. If you’re taking longer trips, consider a bigger case you can store in the hold. Size and weight allowances for cases will vary by airline, and most companies we looked into (including Alaska and Delta) measure the dimensions or weight of cases. For ease of comparison, we’ve focused on carry-on options here, but most companies make these suitcases in larger sizes too.
Wheels
Four spinner wheels are now pretty standard and make maneuvering your case through packed airport terminals much easier, as it can glide in all directions. While four wheels is definitely the way to go and our recommendation, Pecorella says it’s not the best choice from a repair standpoint: “It is always stronger to have the case that has two wheels on it. Those wheels are encased, so the only thing that can really happen on those wheels is that they wear out eventually, like tires on your car.” With the four spinners — which Pecorella fully admits to using — he says that because they aren’t encased and are instead attached to the bottom of the suitcase, they run the risk of being banged off. “If you’re rolling off a curb or you hit the escalator too hard, it’ll just snap the wheel right off,” he says. “That’s one of the biggest repairs we do here all day.”
Warranty
Pecorella says it’s important to do your homework when it comes to warranty because, once a hard-side case cracks, it’s pretty tough to repair. “This is what we tell our customers all the time: If you are a regular traveler, really look into the luggage brand’s warranty and see what they are covering and what they are not covering,” he says. All of the cases on this list have a lifetime warranty, which covers your case for life, or a limited lifetime warranty, which means your case is covered for a certain number of years.
Best overall hard-side suitcase
Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 47.9 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
I recently named the Away suitcase the best in class when it came to rolling luggage, so it’s perhaps no surprise that I think it’s the best hard-shell case. This style of Away suitcase comes recommended in nearly every size, but the Bigger Carry-On is the most popular. It has almost a 50-liter capacity but still fits in most overhead bins — it’s a hair too big for certain domestic airlines, however, so it’s worth double-checking before heading to the airport, as you may need a smaller size.
No matter what size you get, though, each case features the desirable qualities our experts look for. “It’s sturdy but light and has a USB charger, so I can charge my phone just enough to order an Uber,” writer and photographer Nicholas Gill says. “Plus — inside it has a nylon bag where I can toss my clothes after getting caught in a sudden jungle downpour, which always seems to happen.” Stephanie Be from TravelBreak and Buena calls out the case’s “TSA-approved lock, 360-degree wheels, tough hardware, and sleek design.” There is an interior compression divider on one side of the suitcase, which “let us stuff all the things and zip it shut,” says Summer Hull, director of travel content at The Points Guy.
Another perk is the limited lifetime warranty, which doesn’t expire, though there is a (fairly long) list on what it covers. Away will fix or replace any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or “anything else that impairs your use of the luggage,” according to the website. The battery pack, however, is limited to a two-year warranty.
Best (less expensive) hard-side suitcase
Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 43 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited ten-year warranty
My favorite less-expensive option comes from Open Story, as recommended by travel blogger Courtney Vondran. She bought it after her backpack just wasn’t up to scratch anymore for frequent work trips. “I needed a solid, functional, affordable (and stylish) carry-on. I think it’s a great option for budget travelers or first-timer carry-on travelers who want nice pieces for more affordable prices,” she says. Her bag has been everywhere: “Road trips throughout the Midwest, a work trip to Egypt, vacation to L.A., travel conference in Memphis, romantic getaway to Maine, and more.” And since you can pick one up at places like Target, she adds that it’s super-accessible.
Best (even-less-expensive) hard-side suitcase
Material: ABS hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Capacity: 34 liters | Warranty: Limited warranty
Writer Robin Reetz is impressed by the “much-better-than-expected functionality” of this Amazon Basics case. It’s so affordable because it’s made from ABS, which isn’t as durable as polycarbonate. But as I unpacked it, I was immediately surprised by just how thick and sturdy the case’s shell felt (and I felt very satisfied knocking my fist against it). At 21 inches, Reetz says that the size is perfect for a four- to five-day trip. An expandable zipper makes that capacity feel even roomier, giving you about 15 percent more packing space (but if you do expand the bag, you’ll need to check it into the hold rather than toss it into the overhead bin). Even with a limited shade range and a shorter warranty than other cases on this list, I’m still endorsing it as one of my favorites, as it’s able to hold its own against cases five times more expensive.
Best lightweight hard-side suitcase
Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 36 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Five-year manufacturer’s guarantee
The Rimowa Essential line of suitcases was a very close second to Away — more than ten people mentioned the brand in our survey of the best rolling luggage — but it lost out on the top spot due to its price. This suitcase is less durable than the classic aluminum version, but it shares a long history: Rimowa was the first brand to release a polycarbonate suitcase in 2000, so it has had more than 20 years to perfect its design. And it’s a great mix of durability and weight: This carry-on is more than a pound lighter than Away’s Bigger Carry-On.
It comes in 11 colors and two finishes and works like a dream, according to owners, almost all of whom praise the wheels. “I won’t pretend to understand all the physics behind the bearings and axles on Rimowa’s bags, but I do know they spin amazingly well through the airport,” Hull says. Chris Schalkx of travel website Rice/Potato says, “This has been one of our best travel investments we’ve made. The wheels roll as smooth as a knife through butter no matter the terrain they’re on.”
There’s a manufacturer’s guarantee of five years if you remember to register your product when purchasing it (otherwise, it only lasts for two). Even in those five years, the warranty only applies “if the usability of the product is considerably adversely affected by a material or manufacturing fault already present at the time of hand-over (defect),” the brand says. Breaks caused by “abrasion, improper use, faulty operation, or externally occurring forces” like cracks, breaks, and scratches caused in flight are not covered. There’s a lot of fine print with Rimowa, so we suggest looking into it before you purchase.
Best durable hard-side suitcase
Material: Aluminum hard-shell | Capacity: 35 L |Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Five-year manufacturer’s guarantee
Another popular offering from Rimowa is the Original line, which comprises the aluminum suitcases that put the brand on the map. They’re not cheap, and the aluminum is heavier than the polycarbonate version by about two and a half pounds, but aluminum is the most durable material for hard-shell suitcases. This case ensures that your belongings inside stay safe, which is key for Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury-travel and lifestyle brand Black Tomato: “My Rimowa has seen quite a few things around the world — including a tumble off the roof rack of a tiny car while winding down roads in Greece — miraculously intact.” While the other hard-shells on this list will mostly protect your stuff from the rain, they still have water-permeable fabric zippers. These suitcases close more like trunks with two built-in TSA locks and a completely sealed opening.
The case’s other features — dividers, wheels, and warranty — are pretty much the same as on the Essential line, but The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly says that Rimowa’s handles stand out; he describes them as “especially awesome for tall people, since the handle extends extra-tall.”
Best less-expensive durable hard-side suitcase
Material: Aluminum hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Capacity: 35 liters | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
This aluminum case has all the core features of my best-overall pick from Away, including the TSA-approved locks and smooth 360-degree spinner wheels that Greaves-Gabbadon calls out. This is her go-to case for three- or four-day trips, where “I feel like I could just push it with my middle finger and it would glide along the concourse.” This one can pick up scuffs, though, which the brand openly discloses. Swede White, a principal content strategist at Amazon Web Services, told us he wishes he’d bought the case in a different material, but that concerns about dents ultimately come down to personal preference.
Best hard-side suitcase for overpackers
Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 49 - 61 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
I’ve included this case for its simply ingenious weight indicator, which is favored by Laura Ratliff, the senior editorial director of TripSavvy. According to a Béis customer-service representative, the indicator is activated when you lift the case, and a red mark will appear if the luggage weighs over 50 pounds. Other great features include a built-in laundry and shoe bag as well as several pockets to keep things organized, a TSA approved lock, and the ability to expand by about two inches, making it easy to slot those last few essentials in. “They’ve really thought of everything,” says travel blogger Ciara Johnson, who calls the case her ultimate go-to.
Best expandable suitcase
Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 44 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Two years limited warranty
As a New York–based Brit, artist Oscar yi Hou makes several transatlantic trips per year to visit family and friends. He’ll check any old bag into the hold, but says he feels “one’s choice of carry-on luggage is far more important,” because that bag will be by your side for the whole journey. And — as many travelers experienced last summer — it could end up being the only piece of luggage that arrives at your destination. This Calpak case expands by about two inches, helping yi Hou squeeze more in. It has a polycarbonate shell, but is available for less than $200 — a sort of price usually reserved for less-durable ABS shells. And finally, it comes in a range of seven colors (though Hou keeps things simple with black).
Best suitcase set for easy storage
Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: Three sizes | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Lifetime
Since receiving the Clifton set as a press sample in 2022, Strategist senior editor Ailbhe Malone has become an Antler convert. “The wheels are so smooth that I can pull the suitcase with just a finger if I need to (helpful when trying to carry a folded-up stroller and a baby in a sling through an airport),” says Malone. “The grip on the handle is extremely comfortable, and it pops up easily.” As for storage, the Clifton set is designed to slot inside each other (Russian-doll style), meaning “it’s easy to store three suitcases in a small house.” Malone also appreciates the various interior pockets and mesh compartment for dirty laundry. “I recently took the medium suitcase and the cabin suitcase on a trip from London to Hungary to Romania,” says Malone. “There was enough space for everything my family needed for a week (including the baby bed linens that our Airbnb didn’t provide).”
Other hard-side suitcases we’ve written about
Our Experts
• Stephanie Be, founder of Buena and TravelBreak
• Kiana Brooks, associate merchandising manager at Dior
• Hillary Eaton, food and travel writer
• Kelly Farber, founder of KF Literary Scouting
• Nicholas Gill, writer and photographer
• Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, travel writer
• Summer Hull, director of travel content at The Points Guy
• Ciara Johnson, travel blogger at HeyCiara
• Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy
• Isabelle Lieblein, travel writer
• Ailbhe Malone, Strategist senior editor
• Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato
• Tony Pecorella, president and CEO of Modern Leather Goods
• Laura Ratliff, senior editorial director at TripSavvy
• Robin Reetz, writer
• Lauren Ro, Strategist writer
• Ellie Robinson, digital creator
• Chris Schalkx, co-founder of Rice/Potato
• Courtney Vondran, travel blogger
• Oscar yi Hou, visual artist
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