Consumer Reports' Top Rated Luggage Is More Affordable Than You Think

The right luggage can make a big difference on a journey, though that may not be apparent until you're dealing with stuck suitcase wheels or bursting seams on a trip. That's why Consumer Reports (CR) ratings can be helpful when you're in the market for new luggage. The non-profit organization uses both real consumer ratings and its own internal testing to evaluate products, which, for suitcases, means looking at things like durability, build quality, and any other factors ensuring your luggage, and its contents, stay intact as you travel. Per this criteria, CR found that the top suitcase is the Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner, followed by the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner. These suitcases retail for around $176 and $160, respectively, as of September 2026. While the prices listed for each can go up depending on the retailer you might choose to buy from, both still start at over $500 less than the Briggs & Riley Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner that placed in CR's No. 3 slot. 

CR rates the Outline Pro and the Maxlite 5 similarly: The Samsonite received top marks for its construction quality, while the Travelpro outranked the Samsonite in safety. For reference, the most expensive suitcases on CR's list were both from luxury retailer Rimowa  — yet another luxury brand not worth your money. Starting at $1,150 and $950, these costly bags were outperformed by many models at much more accessible price points.

In addition to being affordable, the Samsonite was the most spacious in CR's top 10 suitcases. However, to avoid potentially costly travel mistakes, you may want to note that some airlines limit carry-on dimensions to 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches — which both the Samsonite and Travelpro slightly exceed. Meanwhile, the Samsonite's hard-shell exterior may make it more resistant to impact damage, while the soft-shell Travelpro features added storage thanks to its exterior zippered pockets. Both suitcases also come with different warranties — the Outline Pro comes with 10 years of coverage, while Travelpro's Maxlite 5 series comes with a limited lifetime guarantee — so it's worth researching what's covered under each before you make a purchase.

It's also worth noting that, while Samsonsite and Travelpro's offerings aren't the cheapest CR has reviewed, cutting corners could cost you: The cheapest suitcase CR reviewed is the Travelhouse Underseat Hardshell Carry On Luggage 20-inch. While it's a budget-friendly $40, it's also Consumer Reports' worst-rated suitcase, with lackluster scores in usability, impact resistance, and carrying and pulling. So, while the Samsonite and Travelpro may cost a little more, you are likely getting the best value. No matter which model you go with, you may want to hold off on paying for baggage insurance when you fly with it, as that too can be a waste of money.