13 Suitcases That Will Make You Love Hardside Luggage

When you're traveling with fragile items in your suitcase, whether you're handing it over to an airline or a taxi driver or tossing it into your trunk, you want the protection you get with hard case luggage. Some travelers simply prefer hardside luggage for its sleek look or packing configuration, but they also offer other benefits, like easy cleanup and maintaining their shape even if they're overpacked — some can even expand and compress back to carry-on size like magic.

To help you find the best hardside luggage, we researched the top options on the market, considering their size, maneuverability, durability, and value.

With these features in mind, the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner is one of our favorites.

Read on to discover the best hardside luggage.

Hardside Expandable Carry-on: Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner

We love this option from Briggs & Riley for its overall value. This 22-inch bag is made of resilient virgin polycarbonate, making it durable and flexible. Its "outsider" external-mount handle provides a smooth packing area, and its 70/30 compartment configuration is more akin to packing in a traditional suitcase.

If you're reluctant to part with the "give" a softside suitcase allows when packing, Briggs & Riley's CX technology allows you to zip it closed while expanded and then compress it back down to carry-on size regulations in a snap. Meanwhile, the double spinner wheels and comfortable, soft-touch carry grips make handling easy. Other features include a built-in, TSA-friendly lock, lockable double zipper pulls, and the brand's Power Pocket that allows you to hold a USB cord for quick charging. This luggage also comes with a lifetime warranty, making it well worth the cost.

To buy: briggs-riley.com, amazon.com, $569

Hardside Expandable Carry-on: Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

This streamlined bag features a textured, scratch-resistant exterior that's just as functional as it is stylish. At only 6.5 pounds, it's lightweight as well as durable. Spacious inner compartments feature elastic straps, built-in packing cubes, and zippered sections to keep contents neat and organized, while easy-gliding, 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle allow for effortless movement.

To buy: samsonite.com, $130

Hardside International Carry-on: Rimowa Essential Lite Small Cabin

This durable international carry-on is such a smart buy if you like to travel light. Made of ultra-light polycarbonate shell, it weighs just 4.6 pounds and also comes in glossy red with smooth-rolling spinner wheels. The multi-stage telescopic handle adjusts to any height for comfortable maneuvering. And the flex-divider system keeps contents organized and makes packing simple.

To buy: rimowa.com, $500

Hardside International Carry-on: Hartmann 7R Hardside Spinner Carry-on

This shiny, modern suitcase is engineered with both design as well as durability in mind. It comes in stunning metallic colors, while leather detailing lends a timeless touch. And it's built to endure years of travel, with its impact-resistant material and resilient aluminum pull handle. It weighs in at just over five pounds, which is super-lightweight for a spinner.

To buy: macys.com, $300 (originally $500)

Hardside Domestic Carry-on: Away The Bigger Carry-on

This start-up luggage brand may be a newcomer to the industry, but it's quickly becoming a cult favorite among frequent fliers. Away makes unbreakable hardside luggage in three sizes, and The Bigger Carry-on is a roomy 23-inch case that is sized for most major domestic airlines. It's equipped with a built-in battery and a TSA-approved combination lock, and alongside the brand's seven core colors, there are always fun seasonal collaborations.

To buy: awaytravel.com, $245

Hardside Domestic Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-on Spinner

An excellent budget buy, this suitcase is the latest release in Travelpro's Maxlite line and it covers all the basics — even at such an affordable price. It weighs only 5.4 pounds, so hoisting it into the overhead bin will be a breeze. You'll be able to depend on the durable polycarbonate case and Travelpro's recently expanded lifetime warranty.

To buy: amazon.com, $128

Hardside Domestic Carry-on: eBags Fortis Pro Traveler 22-inch Hardside Spinner Carry-on

The abrasion-resistant shell of this 100 percent polycarbonate bag comes in navy, red, black, and a pretty ocean blue. For convenience and flexibility in packing, its interior has one full mesh-zip section and one open area with tie downs and eBags' smart movable shelf system which allows you to split that side into compartments. Top and side grips, 360-degree silent Hinomoto wheels, and three-stop telescoping handle make zipping through the airport easy. Plus, there's now a USB port built in to attach your power bank to when you want the extra juice for your tech,

To buy: ebags.com, $130

Hardside Domestic Carry-on: Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Carry-on Hardside Spinner

At 20 inches, this bag should fit easily into most overhead bins while providing a spacious interior with full zippered dividers. It's available in nine colors with a brushed-look finish. Made of 100 percent polycarbonate, it's incredibly lightweight — and its four spinner wheels move it along easily.

To buy: amazon.com, $89 (originally $170)

Hardside Medium Checked Bag: Travelpro Crew 11 Hardside 25-inch Spinner

This medium-sized check-in bag is offered in black and has a sleek exterior design. With a 100 percent polycarbonate construction, the piece is durable — and inside zippered sections and smaller accessory pockets make it easy to pack. Low profile top and side handles and self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels provide for ease in handling.

To buy: kohls.com, from $184

Hardside Medium Checked Bag: Tumi Latitude Short Trip Packing Case

Weighing in at just over eight pounds, this attractive 26-inch check-in bag is from Tumi's most durable lightweight collection to date. It comes in four colors: blush, purple, silver, blue, and black. The shell may look tough, but it's actually really flexible, enabling your luggage to endure whatever the baggage handlers throw its way. A brand-new wheel system makes it easier than ever to handle, and two packing compartments with a removable garment section provide packing flexibility, too.

To buy: tumi.com, $850

Hardside Large Checked Bag: Away The Large in Aluminum

While it may be Away's most expensive piece of luggage, this suitcase is built to protect your belongings at all costs. On impact, the aluminum shell may dent, but it won't break. And the TSA-approved latches eliminate the possibility that a thief could break into your bag by puncturing the zipper. Plus, the brand offers a lifetime warranty to either fix or replace the bag.

To buy: awaytravel.com, $595

Hardside Large Checked Bag: Delsey Chatelet Hard+ Four-wheel Spinner

This elegant 28-inch bag comes in brown or champagne with a tan leather trim. Made of virgin polycarbonate, its curved corners add to its good looks, and high-quality spinner wheels make handling easy. Its unique Stop & Go brake system keeps the bag from drifting on slanted surfaces, while two wheels remain free to roll along. The luxurious red interior has tie-downs and zippered dividers.

To buy: macys.com, $263 (originally $700)

Hardside Large Checked Bag: Paravel Aviator Grand

This 28-inch hardside suitcase is not only impressively sleek and stylish, but it's also sustainable, since it's made from upcycled plastic water bottles, vegan leather, and recycled aluminum. (It's also carbon neutral). Interior pockets and a compression board make packing a breeze, so you'll be able to stay organized throughout your trip.

To buy: tourparavel.com, $315

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