Our travel team tried out 7 hand luggage-sized suitcases to see which are the best - these are the bags you...

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Gone are the days where suitcases were merely made for convenience and storage; nowadays, they are a veritable fashion item, with extra features and function that go beyond the basic. 

But just because a suitcase looks good, doesn't mean it'll last you through the summer.

Here, we've reviewed and rated some of the best suitcases, based on performance, practicality and style. All of these suitcases pass our tests: they're sturdy enough to stay in tact for more than a few flights and ultra-stylish to match your new airport outfit.

There are budget-friendly options for those wanting to save their spending for on-holiday, and premium models for the frequent flyers who need their case to look great in business class. 

If other factors will sway your decision - such as security, material or weight - read on to see which wins.

It's always worth noting with cabin baggage, different airlines have different recommendations - and not all cases will fit within requirements. That's why we've done the checking for you, so you can rest assured your case won't cost you an unexpected airport fine. 

Here, we've reviewed eight suitcases, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models that ooze celebrity style, in order to find the very best ones with a range of features to suit any and all tastes

Best suitcases at a glance

• Best case overall: Kapten & Son Heathrow Cabin
• Best modern look: Horizn H5 Essential Cabin Luggage
• Best budget buy: Rock Tulum Small Suitcase
• Best high-end luxury: Briggs & Riley Essential 56cm Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase
• Best for seasoned travellers: Antler Large Cabin Suitcase in Dune Yellow - Icon Stripe
• Best for active people: Ogio Renegade 4-Wheel Carry-On Bag
• Best lightweight: July Carry On Light Expandable
• Best for kids: Stokke JetKids BedBox

How we test

When testing suitcases, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey - for example, wheeling along both smooth and bumpy surfaces and being lifted. As well as evaluating performance, we also look for style, space, size, weight and durability to get a true measure of their abilities. We also make sure all suitcase comply with popular airline sizing restrictions.  

Together with a group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail, we collate and compare how well each product performs, so you can choose the best suitcases for your travels.

We then collate and compare how well each product performs so you can choose the best suitcase for your travels. 

When testing suitcases, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey

Why trust us

Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as suitcases, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.

Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

Best suitcases 2025

1. Best case overall: Kapten & Son Heathrow Cabin 

The Kapten & Son model comes in a classy Dusty Pistachio colour and features a simple design

2. Best modern look: Horizn H5 Essential Cabin Luggage 

Horizn's Essential Cabin Luggage is sleek, minimalist and elegant

3. Best budget buy: Rock Tulum Small Suitcase

As the cheapest suitcase I reviewed, this lilac-shelled durable suitcase is pretty decent value for money

4. Best high-end luxury: Briggs & Riley Essential 56cm Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase 

This option is a real taste of luxury. It glides smoothly and, what’s more, almost silently

5. Best for seasoned travellers: Antler Large Cabin Suitcase in Dune Yellow - Icon Stripe

6. Best for active people: Ogio Renegade 4-Wheel Carry-On bag  

Ogio's design is a no-added-frills suitcase, inspired by the brand’s popular backpack design, and is functional and practical

7. Best lightweight case: July Carry On Light Expandable

8. Best for kids: Stokke JetKids BedBox

Our verdict

If I were to buy any suitcase on this list, it would be the Kapten & Son model. Although it’s not cheap, it glides along so smoothly, making it a super useful travel companion. It's pretty to look at, too, making it a must-have choice for anyone looking to travel in style.

However, I'd be tempted by the Rock Tulum case, too - especially given the fun range of colours available, making it easy to spot your case in airports. It's also great value for money.

I’d also highly recommend the Horizn or Antler cabin suitcase tested, as they are versatile, sleek, lightweight and smooth. They have really great features suitable for all types of travellers.

The suitcase styles to avoid 

There are certain types of suitcases we recommend that you avoid.

For example, soft-shell ones can rip easily - hard-shell cases tend to be more durable. Also, some suitcases say they fit in the airline restrictions but don't, so make sure you double check with the requirements.

And plain colours may mean they your case could get lost or confused with other people's, especially if it's a popular design. We'd advise steering clear of plain black cases for this reason.

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