#1Rank
Editor's Choice
Away The Carry-On
4.7
- ✓Built-in USB battery charger
- ✓Smooth 360° spinner wheels
- ✓Lifetime warranty
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Best Luggage Brands of 2026
We subjected 10 carry-on suitcases to 150+ flights, drop tests, and durability trials. Here are the best luggage brands ranked by durability, design, and value.
James Okafor
Senior Technology Reviewer
Published: Updated: 8 min readEditorially Reviewed
Quick Answer: Our Top Pick
- Best Overall
- Away The Carry-On
- Rating
- 4.7
- Best For
- Editor's Choice
- Bottom Line
- Away redefined the carry-on with their polycarbonate shell, built-in USB charger, TSA lock, and laundry bag. It remains our top pick for modern travelers who want style and substance.
Our Top Picks
#2Rank
Premium Pick
Rimowa Original
4.8
- ✓Iconic, virtually indestructible aluminum construction
- ✓Best-in-class wheels and handles
- ✓Retains resale value better than any competitor
#3Rank
Best Value
Samsonite Omni PC
4.5
- ✓Excellent durability for the price
- ✓Scratch-resistant micro-diamond texture
- ✓Lightweight spinner wheels
#4Rank
Best for Frequent Flyers
Travelpro Platinum Elite
4.6
- ✓MagnaTrac spinner wheels (smoothest tested)
- ✓Used and trusted by airline crews
- ✓High-density ballistic nylon, extremely durable
#5Rank
Best Warranty
Briggs & Riley Baseline
4.7
- ✓Best warranty in the industry (covers airline damage)
- ✓CX expansion system adds 34% more packing space
- ✓Unique outsider frame keeps fabric away from wheels
Best Luggage Brands of 2026
After 150+ flights and deliberate abuse testing — drops, overpacking, rough baggage handling simulations — we've identified the suitcases that survive the rigors of modern travel. Here are our top five picks.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Away The Carry-On | Rimowa Original | Samsonite Omni PC | Travelpro Platinum Elite | Briggs & Riley Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Price | $295 | $725 | $99–$159 | $349 | $479 |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs | 8.6 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 7.3 lbs | 8.0 lbs |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Aluminum | Polycarbonate | High-density ballistic nylon | Ballistic nylon |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10-year | Lifetime | Lifetime (incl. airline damage) |
| Dimensions | 21.7" × 13.7" × 9" | 21.7" × 15.8" × 9.5" | 22" × 14.5" × 9.5" | 22" × 14" × 9" | 22" × 14" × 9" |
| Pros | 3 pros | 3 pros | 3 pros | 3 pros | 3 pros |
| Cons | 2 cons | 3 cons | 2 cons | 2 cons | 2 cons |
| Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
How We Tested
Our editorial team conducted hands-on testing using a standardized methodology developed over years of product evaluation. Each product was assessed across multiple real-world scenarios before recommendations were finalized.
Read our full testing methodology →Why Trust ExpertPicked?
ExpertPicked is editorially independent. Advertisers never influence our rankings or recommendations. Every review is produced by credentialed experts with hands-on experience in their respective fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by
James OkaforSenior Technology Reviewer
James Okafor is a technology journalist and former CNET contributor with 9 years of experience reviewing consumer tech, cybersecurity software, and digital privacy tools. He has a computer science degree from MIT and has reviewed over 400 tech products. James runs his own home lab for testing VPNs, security software, and smart home devices under real-world conditions.
Editorially Independent
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