The Best Checked Luggage in 2025 (Hands-On Reviews)

Traveling carry-on only is wonderful, but sooner or later, we all have to face the truth: having a quality check-in bag is absolutely necessary. And when that time comes – whether it’s a big trip overseas, a family vacation, or a winter getaway that requires plenty of gear – it’s a good idea to be prepared.

To find the best checked luggage in 2025, our team tried over 31 pieces, including some medium-sized, expandable, collapsible, and sustainable picks. We packed them to the brim, took them for a spin across various surfaces, threw them in the trunk of our car for road trips around Spain and Portugal, and gate-checked some on multiple flights within Europe.

Not all of them were great, but several well-designed options glided past our tests with ease, offering superior durability, style, and organization, in addition to a smooth ride. We also considered other characteristics, such as weight, value for money, innovative features, and brand reputation.

For those who would rather go big than stay home, here are the best suitcases to check in 2025, based on our testing.

Best Checked Luggage in 2025: Monos Check-In Large

• Why we love it: Everything about this suitcase – the way it looks, the way it moves, the way it performs – is fantastic! We couldn’t find any weak spots during our tests and firmly believe it surpasses the competition in almost all aspects.
• Dimensions: 30″ × 21″ × 11″ (76.2cm x 53.3cm x 27.9cm)
• Material: German Makrolon polycarbonate
• Weight: 10.52 lbs (4.7 kg)
• Volume: 99.2 L

We love a luggage brand that is obsessed with product design and has a wicked attention to detail, and Monos is one of them.

As the name suggests, their Check-In Large is a roomy polycarbonate suitcase designed for longer trips. Like many hardshell checked bags we’ve tested, it’s sleek and minimal, rolls silently on 360° wheels, and comes with a TSA-approved combination lock. Unlike them, however, the Monos Check-In Large sports a unique aluminum telescopic handle with the release button placed underneath. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference, and it’s not the only one.

I am particularly fond of the color-coordinated reverse coil YKK zippers and gaskets – they’re high-quality and contribute to the bag’s streamlined good looks.

Likewise, the interior is a notch or two above its competitors. It is lined with a luxurious, delicately patterned fabric that’s waterproof and anti-bacterial and sports a pair of pockets large enough to accommodate my shoes and toiletry kit.

On top of this, the suitcase is a sight to behold! I am totally enamored (me and everyone I know) with the chic yet timeless Terrazzo pattern, which is easy to clean and even easier to spot on the baggage carousel. After every use, I wipe down the shell and wheels with a sanitizing wipe and use the Monos Check-In Large as both a storage and decor piece.

Despite its sleek appearance and low weight, the bag is incredibly durable. I’ve taken it on several car trips around Spain and Portugal and also checked it on a few occasions, and every time, it survived with almost no evidence of the journey, let alone damage.

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Best for Durability: Nomatic Check-In

• Why we love it: This premium suitcase is built like a tank and offers some of the most interesting packing/organizational features in our lineup.
• Dimensions: 29″ x 18.5″ x 9″ (73.66cm x 46.99cm x 22.86cm)
• Material: Makrolon Polycarbonate
• Weight: 12.32 lbs (5.58 kg)
• Volume: 78 – 90 L

I didn’t know what to expect from the Nomatic Check-In, but I was blown away by its build quality. The outer shell is made from ultra-durable Makrolon polycarbonate and has a luxurious leather-like feel to it. It’s sleek and streamlined and projects a slightly more sober appearance than the other models we tested.

Right out of the box, you can tell the hardware is top-notch – from the smooth-gliding Hinomoto wheels to the TSA-locking YKK zippers to the ergonomic telescoping handle, everything feels incredibly sturdy.

I also found the interior design of the Check-In Roller to be more functional than that of any other suitcase I have packed. The customizable compression pad is something I have never seen in a suitcase before, but totally love; the magnetic compression system is a breeze to use, and there are plenty of pockets to keep your items organized.

Given my habit of bringing home souvenirs for everyone I know, the zippered expansion was another feature I was happy to see. My only concern is that the bag will no longer meet the airline’s weight limit since it’s already pretty heavy when empty. On a more positive note, weight equals quality in this case, meaning that if you only settle for the best hardside checked luggage, this is a strong contender.

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Most Stylish Checked Luggage in 2025: Carl Friedrik The Large Check-In

• Why we love it: It’s the bag you’d imagine rolling through the marble-floored lobby of a five-star resort in Sicily, past linen-clad travelers sipping Aperol spritzes, the air thick with the scent of citrus and possibility. You might not be vacationing with Tanya McQuoid, but with the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In, you’ll certainly look like you belong in The White Lotus.
• Dimensions: 29.9″ × 20.1″ × 11″ (76cm × 51cm × 28cm)
• Material: Makrolon® polycarbonate with Italian leather accents
• Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
• Volume: 90.9 L

Carl Friedrik excels at balancing minimalism and indulgence. I’ve used their pieces for years, and their hybrid Carry-on X remains one of my all-time favorite carry-on luggage. If there’s anything I know for sure, it’s that they play the long game, never messing up quality or style.

Designed for those who value craftsmanship over logos, The Large Check-In is the epitome of quiet luxury – effortless, refined, and built to last. Beyond aesthetics, the experience is seamless. The suitcase offers a substantial packing capacity within a durable, lightweight frame, which is the ultimate answer to the modern traveler’s needs.

Its Hinomoto wheels are ridiculously smooth, floating effortlessly across train station floors, cobblestone streets, and even rough parking lots. My favorite feature is probably the telescoping handle. I had no idea how frustrating fixed-height handles were until I used this one. Adjusting it exactly to the right height, without clicking through awkward pre-set stops, is unexpectedly liberating.

The Makrolon shell still looks nearly brand-new after multiple road trips, train rides, and hectic transfers, and the leather accents give this bag structure and character in a sea of forgettable luggage.

Inside, the light lining and well-sized compartments make packing and finding things easy. My only tiny wish? Compression straps on one side. But honestly, it’s pretty close to perfect. After months of real-world use, I have zero doubts about its durability.

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Best Affordable Checked Luggage: Lojel Voja Large

• Why we love it: Sturdy, spacious, and lightweight, this suitcase offers great value for money.
• Dimensions: 30.3″ x 21.3″ x 12.8″ (76.96cm x 54.10cm x 32.51cm)
• Material: Propylene
• Weight: 12.1 lbs (5.48 kg)
• Volume: 112 L

We haven’t flown with the Lojel Voja Large yet, but we did subject it to some impromptu durability tests during the photo shoot, including a fall down a flight of wooden stairs in the middle of the forest, and it held up admirably. Nothing broken and no scratches whatsoever. That’s because the brand’s proprietary polypropylene blend, aside from being incredibly lightweight, provides superior durability and scratch resistance.

The suitcase itself is handsome without feeling pretentious and falls into the modern minimalist aesthetic, which I like a lot. Another thing you’ll notice immediately is the bag’s unique closing mechanism. Instead of a zipper, you’ll find three sturdy locks, one with a TSA combination lock on the side and two other small latches on top and bottom. These are easy to use and feel super secure.

Lastly, I’m impressed with the amount of space inside the Voja. Several zipped pockets keep smaller items organized, and adjustable compression straps reduce the volume of your gear and keep it in place.

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Best Lightweight Checked Luggage: Rollink Flex 360° Large Checked

• Why we love it: It’s a stylish and sturdy space-saving alternative to traditional hardside checked luggage.
• Dimensions: 29″ x 20.4″ x 11.2″ (73.66cm x 50.9cm x 30.48cm)
• Material: Polycarbonate, water-resistant fabric
• Weight: 10 lbs (4.53 kg)
• Volume: 110 L

In a way, I’d wish all my suitcases were like the Rollink Flex 360°, a lightweight, collapsible luggage piece that folds flat for easy storage. I mean, it would have saved me a lot of hassle, plus the cost of the storage box where most of my bulky pieces currently reside.

While it doesn’t offer the same impact resistance as a full hard-shell case, this unique bag combines durable polycarbonate with soft, water-resistant fabric sections to create a practical companion for space-saving travelers.

The yellow is really cool and a bit more subdued than on the website, which is good. I personally like the way it looks (I’d say it has a fresh, youthful vibe), and I was surprised to see it comes with all the bells and whistles that make traveling easier, including a built-in TSA-friendly lock, effortless gliding wheels, and a robust aluminum telescoping handle.

The inside is centered mainly around one main compartment complete with compression straps and four rigid velcro flaps that sustain its shape. There’s also a slimmer packing section on the opposite side lined with mesh pockets, which I’ve successfully used for packing both my dress and my boyfriend’s suit for a destination wedding.

Despite its massive 110 L packing capacity, the Rollink Flex 360° Large Checked 4 Wheel Suitcase ended up as one of the best lightweight checked luggage options in the test.

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Best Hardside Checked Luggage: Horizn Studios H7

• Why we love it: This sustainable high-end suitcase has survived various plane, ferry, and car trips, as well as baggage handlers in several countries, with minimal scratch marks. It’s roomy, stylish, and a bit more luxurious than most polycarbonate luggage we have tested. The color-coordinated interiors are a sweet, thoughtful touch.
• Dimensions: 30.3″ x 20.4″ x 11″ (77cm x 52cm x 27.9cm)
• Material: Virgin and recycled aerospace-grade polycarbonate
• Weight: 10.36 lbs (4.7 kg)
• Volume: 90 L

I’ve tested the Horizn Studios H7 for over five years and have also lent the bag to my parents, who took it on a 2-week trip around Greece last summer. Except for a couple of tiny dark color marks here and there, it still looks like new, which is a testament to the craftsmanship and high-quality materials that went into creating it.

I own the H7 Check-In Luggage (90L), which is their biggest suitcase, hence ideal for long trips, family travel, and overpackers like me. Though it is a bit of an investment, I think the quality is totally worth the extra expense.

The wheels and zippers are robust and run very smoothly, and there is a TSA-approved combination lock and an ergonomic multi-stage telescopic handle, both of which enhance the bag’s practicality.

The outer shell is premium, partially recycled polycarbonate. While it’s lighter and has a smoother, more refined finish than Away, it has proved to be really sturdy. I should also note that the company offers a lifetime warranty that covers all functional aspects of the luggage.

Besides the contemporary, minimalist look, I love that all Horizn Studios luggage is 100% vegan and gets more and more sustainable every year. Both the mesh screens and water-resistant lining inside the H7 are recycled, and the brand even ships carbon neutrally with eco-friendly packaging.

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Best Checked Trunk: Monos Hybrid Trunk

• Why we love it: Stronger than a polycarbonate suitcase, yet lighter and more affordable than a full-aluminum one, the Monos Hybrid Trunk is the perfect marriage between the two. It’s beautifully engineered and a pleasure to travel with.
• Dimensions: 29.9″ x 15.7″ x 14.3″ (75.9cm x 39.8cm x 36.3cm)
• Material: Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, high-grade aluminum
• Weight: 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg)
• Volume: 89 L

It’s no easy feat for a luggage company to innovate these days, let alone to reinterpret an iconic silhouette, but Monos has nailed it with its contemporary take on the classic travel trunk.

Enhanced with a zipperless aluminum frame and anodized corner guards, their Hybrid Trunk is taller, more durable, and, dare I say, sexier than your average polycarbonate checked suitcase. The design is clean, classy, and gender-neutral, and the brushed metallic finish gives it a luxuriously futuristic edge that has earned me so many compliments. I simply love how it stands out without looking showy or ostentatious!

This suitcase is gorgeous, but don’t underestimate its strength and practicality. There’s plenty of clever design packed into the Monos Hybrid Trunk: built-in compression panels on both sides ensure you maximize every inch of space, the antimicrobial interior lining keeps contents fresh, and the lightweight polycarbonate shell is virtually unbreakable.

I absolutely love zipperless luggage – it’s not only more stylish, but also quicker to open and close, and far more secure than a zipper.

Like with all Monos rolling luggage, the wheels, handle, and interior zippers are top-notch, and while this one’s 70/30 compartment design might not be on everyone’s taste, it really proved its utility on several occasions (I recall that one time when I got home from Portugal with a 6-piece wine glass set).

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Best Large Checked Luggage: Level 8 Voyageur Check In 28”

• Why we love it: Despite its huge capacity, the Voyageur Check In 28” is still very lightweight and mobile. It’s a well-built suitcase made with premium components, and its innovative design features set it apart.
• Dimensions: 29.1″ x 16.6″ x 13.3″ (74.5cm x 42.5cm x 34cm)
• Material: Germany Makrolon polycarbonate
• Weight: 12.4 lbs (5.65 kg)
• Volume: 99 L

We’ve been traveling with the Level 8 Voyageur Check In 28” a lot in the last few years. In fact, this might be the most used checked suitcase in our arsenal. It’s easy to maneuver, looks cool, fits a ton, and protects the stuff inside thanks to a durable shell crafted from Bayer Makrolon polycarbonate and complete with a micro-diamond finish that minimizes the visibility of scuffs and scratches.

Needless to say, the 28-inch luggage piece gets a lot of attention, especially given its boxy, sharp-angled look and yellow/ black combo exterior, which was initially my boyfriend’s choice, but I am pretty fond of it now. And, of course, the ultra-quiet 360° Hinomoto wheels are a delight to use, both across the airport and on the sidewalk.

Surprisingly, my favorite feature ended up being the wide telescopic handle, something I hadn’t had the chance to use before. Made from aluminum alloy, it’s more robust than many others and is effortless to use even when the suitcase is fully packed. Another great perk? This innovative handle design maximizes storage space.

Moving on the inside, the Voyageur Check In 28” sports a 60/40 split clamshell opening, which I find very convenient for packing big, bulky items like snowboots, coats, the hair dryer, and even my oversized sun hat. To make packing easier, the bag also has a few extra unique features you don’t normally see in most check-in suitcases, such as a built-in plastic pocket for liquids/wet items, a foldable internal divider, and a zipper closure on each compartment.

My only disappointment is that my Level 8 luggage came slightly dented in one corner after a trip to Copenhagen last December. However, that’s simply a cosmetic issue (and something that could have probably happened to any piece in this list due to poor handling at an airport) and does not affect its performance whatsoever.

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Best Medium Checked Luggage: Away The Medium

• Why we love it: There may be more luxurious or durable products on the checked luggage market, but this is a good-looking, hardwearing hardside suitcase at a fair price.
• Dimensions: 26″ x 18.5″ x 11″ (66cm x 46.9cm x 27.9cm)
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.49 kg)
• Volume: 68.8 L

Not only was Away The Medium my first introduction to hard-sided luggage, but it’s the suitcase I packed my whole life in when I moved to Spain six years ago. Ever since, I have used it on dozens of trips around the world, and never ever have I been disappointed.

It’s simple, stylish, and easy to travel with, but most importantly, it has held up like a champ through many international flights, which is basically the whole point of a check-in bag.

The size is perfect for a week-long getaway, and I find the matte texture of the polycarbonate that Away uses more resistant to scratches and abrasion than many. The wheels are smooth and sturdy, and although there aren’t many compartments and pockets, the clamshell layout, compression system, and waterproof laundry bag are more than enough for an efficient packing process. The lining is still intact, and I always use the brand’s packing cubes to save space and keep my belongings organized.

As a final note, I really like the simplicity, medium size, and solid build of this Away suitcase.

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How We Test the Check-In Luggage

We regularly test all kinds of luggage. Over the past three years, we have evaluated over 31 checked suitcases. Whether purchased independently or provided for review purposes, only those that truly impressed us have made the cut.

First, we examine the design of each item, from aesthetics, weight, and materials quality to storage capacity, organization, and zipper functionality. Then, we pack them full and see how they roll under heavier weights and over less-than-even surfaces, and how comfortable they are to maneuver. Finally, we take the bags on actual trips by plane, cars, and occasionally trains to evaluate their real-world performance, durability, and overall convenience. We then check each suitcase for signs of wear and tear, looking for scuffs, dents, and any other forms of damage.

It’s an ongoing process that allows us to provide comprehensive, well-informed, and up-to-date recommendations, ensuring that our readers can make the most informed decisions when purchasing checked luggage.

What to Consider When Buying Checked Luggage

Size: It’s a Big Deal! – Remember the magic number: 62 inches (that’s length + width + height combined). Most airlines stick to this for checked bags. But always check with your airline before flying. Remember, bigger isn’t always better; a larger bag may tempt you to overpack, leading to overweight baggage fees.

Choosing the Right Material – Hardshell or softshell? It’s the big question. I’ve used both, and here’s the deal: Hardshells are great for protection, especially if you’re carrying something fragile. They’re sturdy but can get a few scratches. Softshells offer more flexibility and usually have extra pockets, though they might not guard against rough handling as well as hardshells. Think about your travel needs when choosing.

Wheels: 2 or 4? – The wheel debate is a big one in the luggage world. Four-wheel (spinner) luggage glides effortlessly alongside you and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces. However, two-wheel (roller) luggage, with its recessed wheels, tends to be more durable and stable, especially on rough surfaces.

Handles – A comfy handle can make a world of difference. I always look for one that adjusts to my height. And don’t forget about those side and top handles – they’re lifesavers when you’re grabbing your bag from the carousel.

Interior Compartments and Organization – A well-designed suitcase makes packing a breeze. Look for features like compression straps to keep items in place, dividers to separate clean and dirty clothes, and pockets for organizing smaller items. A good layout can make packing more efficient and help you find things quickly upon arrival.

Security Features – Opt for luggage with sturdy, reliable zippers, and consider suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks. These locks provide added security while allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage if necessary, without damaging the lock.

Brand and Warranty – Investing in a reputable brand often means better quality and customer service. A good warranty can be a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product, which is always reassuring.

Style – Finally, pick a suitcase that screams ‘you’. I love a bag that stands out on the luggage belt – saves me from grabbing someone else’s stuff by mistake!

Keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be all set to pick the perfect checked luggage for your 2025 adventures. Safe travels!