Coordinating Luggage Sets Starting at Under $100 (2024)

Samsonite continues to stand out in our Lab evaluations and has wowed our consumer testers, earning the title of best overall luggage brand. This luggage set includes two of our top-tested suitcases from the brand's Freeform collection — the smaller 21-inch carry-on model and the larger 28-inch checked bag. These suitcases are made of a durable hardside material that performed well in our drop tests, resisting major damage after being released repeatedly at different angles from a set 3-foot height.

When we packed the suitcases with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes and accessories, we were impressed by how well everything fit inside with room to spare — even without having to use the 2-inch expansion system. One caveat: Some of our testers noted that the carrying handles on suitcases in this collection felt a bit tight, which made it more difficult to lift or lower the bags. However, the telescopic handles to push and pull the suitcase around received higher scores for feeling sturdy and comfortable to use. Testers also appreciated how easily the suitcases navigated around twists and turns and said the 360-degree spinner wheels were smooth.

Priced at less than $100 for three pieces including softsided carry-on luggage, a checked bag and a personal item, this basic American Tourister trio is an absolute steal and one of the best affordable luggage sets out there. While the bags may be simple, they're still full of practical features that make traveling easier like plenty of external pockets for quick access to your travel essentials as well as interior mesh pockets and compression straps to secure your belongings.

The brand's bags aren't as durable as others we've tested, so we recommend this set for someone who isn't planning to fly frequently. According to one GH analyst who has used this set for nearly a decade, the bags have held up well to repeated use. She added that the softside polyester material is slightly worn with some fraying and scuffs, but the bags are still useable, and the important features, like the telescopic handles and zippers, are in working condition. When we evaluated other suitcases from American Tourister, testers highlighted the smooth and stable wheels, and online reviewers say they roll nicely, despite only moving forward and backward.

Originally designed by a pilot for other pilots who are always on the go, Travelpro's luggage is the perfect pick for the frequent flyer, and we're particularly impressed by the brand's Platinum Elite collection. The softside suitcases were some of the top performers in our durability tests, withstanding repeated dropping without dents or damage, and the nylon material resisted signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth with our abrasion tester. They are heavier than many of the other bags we tested, but they are durable bags built to last.

The suitcases are thoughtfully designed with a tapered expansion system that prevents the bags from tipping over when they're full of all of your belongings, self-aligning spinner wheels that you can push and pull in all directions and cushioned handles with contoured grips for a comfortable feel. Plus, they're packed full of extras inside like expandable garment bags, toiletries bags and hidden USB ports to charge electronic devices (power bank not included). Our testers gave luggage in this collection high scores for ease of use and highlighted the sturdiness of the telescopic handle.

If you want luggage that looks as great as it performs, Calpak's Ambeur two-piece luggage set offers the best of fashion and function. Available in five fun metallic shades that are sure to stand out at baggage claim, the bags are made of a composite of polycarbonate and ABS plastic that aced our Lab tests for durability. They also proved water-resistant in our evaluations, but did show noticeable markings after we dragged a wire across the surface during our scratch-resistance tests.

The bags are GH-tester favorites and earned top marks for their performance in our luggage obstacle course after testers pulled the suitcases over different surfaces and around sharp turns. Testers especially loved the sturdy and easy-to-use telescopic handle. When we assessed the suitcases in the Lab, we were impressed by the zippers that opened and closed with ease and by the spacious interior compartments, which were able to hold our entire packing load of items including clothing, shoes and toiletries. Both the carry-on and checked bag are expandable and equipped with zippered organizational pockets, compression straps and a removable toiletries bag. For even more organization, you can try Calpak's top-tested packing cubes, too.

Not only does this two-piece luggage set from Amazon Basics have more than 33,000 five-star reviews, it also earned high scores in our Lab evaluations and was loved by consumer testers. The carry-on and checked suitcase unfold into two main packing compartments, one with compression straps to keep your belongings in place and another with a full zippered panel for even more security. When we packed the carry-on bag in the Lab, we were able to fill it with an entire weekend's worth of gear including clothing, shoes and toiletries — with room to spare. Plus, both of the suitcases expand for even more space.

The hardside suitcases are made of an ABS plastic that's lightweight and keeps the price low, but it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some other suitcases we tested. It did hold up well in our drop tests though, with no serious denting or breakage after being released repeatedly from a set 3 foot height. When testers rolled the suitcases through our luggage obstacle course around turns and over different surfaces from wood to carpeting, they were impressed by the maneuverability and wheel performance.

As the name implies, these Delsey Helium DLX suitcases are some of the lightest we've evaluated in the Lab. With this luggage set, you won't have to struggle lugging around a bulky bag or lifting your carry-on into the overhead bin on a plane. Despite being so lightweight, these bags are tough. In our tests for durability, the luggage held up well after being released repeatedly in our drop tests, and the softside nylon material showed no signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth 15,000 times by our abrasion tester.

In our evaluations, we found the exterior zippers a bit tricky to use, and the bags received lower scores for maneuverability than other suitcases we tried, but they did earn high scores for their comfortable gripped telescopic handles and for being easy to pack. All three of the suitcases open into one primary packing compartment with compression straps, but the lids of each bag are equipped with zippered pockets and elastic sleeves for additional storage, and there are removable bi-fold organizers inside as well. And we love that the linings can be unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

Designed with simplicity in mind, this two-piece set from luggage brand Monos has a sleek, modern look that our testers love. Both of the bags open to reveal two spacious compartments that were able to fit our entire load of items in our packing tests. The carry-on bag features an adjustable compression panel that can be tightened to better secure your belongings, while the larger checked bag is equipped with compression straps and a larger fabric panel to keep everything in place. What's more, there are plenty of organizational mesh pockets inside the bags to neatly stow away everything you'll need for your travels, along with additional shoe bags and a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes.

During Lab evaluations, the durable carry-on and checked suitcase resisted major denting and damage in our drop tests. Although it is important to note that both we and our consumer testers noticed prominent scuffing on the suitcases after use, the brand provides a sponge for cleaning that one GH analyst said removed most of the marks on her bag. In our luggage obstacle course, testers appreciated the smooth gliding wheels and loved how effortless it was to maneuver the bags around twists and turns. They also noticed how well the telescopic handles locked into place at four different heights for easy toting.

Popular luggage brand Away carries sets of their best-selling carry-on and large checked bag for a better value — $50 off the full retail price. The hardside suitcases are loved by testers who highlighted the streamlined look and the spacious, well-organized interior. The bags open into two separate packing compartments with zippered mesh panels and pockets for additional space to store your favorite vacation clothes. There's also an adjustable compression panel inside each bag so you can really stuff it full if you're an overpacker. When we packed the bags in the Lab, we appreciated how smoothly the zippers opened and closed and by how much we could fit inside.

The polycarbonate material is super lightweight — even lighter than some of our favorite softside luggage — but ultra durable and performed well in our drop tests, remaining in great condition after being released multiple times from a set 3-foot height. And in our scratch tests, the bags only showed minimal scuffs and markings. One caveat: Our consumer testers gave the telescopic handle lower ratings for feeling a bit wobbly when fully extended. The bags received high scores for their maneuverability and smooth wheels, though.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all kinds of luggage to determine which pieces are worth buying. We evaluate luggage in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab and share it with consumer testers who are able to bring the luggage on their own trips and then provide us with valuable feedback. Here's what we look for when we test suitcases:

• Size and weight: To ensure that the brands' listed dimensions for the suitcases are accurate, we measure each bag in the Lab. We weigh the bags and place carry-ons in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to make sure the suitcases meet most airline restrictions.

• Ease of use: We use the luggage to determine how easy it is to open and close zippers and any built-in locks, raise and lower the telescopic handles, roll the wheels, grab the carrying handles and more. We then rate and score the luggage for overall ease of use.

• Packing: It's important that all of your belongings fit inside your suitcase, so we fill each piece of luggage with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes, other accessories and toiletries (pictured here) to test the capacity. For larger checked bags, we pack them with a week's worth of items and for carry-on bags, we add a weekend trip's worth of items. We then score each suitcase on how much it's able to hold.

• Drop testing: We fill the suitcases with a standard amount of weight and then load them into our drop tester (pictured here). We then release the luggage from a set 3-foot height and repeatedly drop the luggage from different angles, evaluating each piece for any dents, damages or scuffs.

• Abrasion resistance: We cut a piece of material from softside luggage and place it into our abrasion machine, which rubs the fabric back and forth 15,000 times to simulate long-term use. Once the test is done, we remove the fabric and rate how well it held up, noting any signs of wear or fraying.

• Consumer testing: Most importantly, we share the suitcases with our consumer testers. We set up a luggage obstacle course where testers roll the suitcases around twists and turns and pull the bags over different surfaces like carpeting, tile and wood. Testers also use the carrying handles to lift and lower the luggage onto or from elevated surfaces.

In addition to the obstacle course, we send suitcases to testers who are able to try the bags out on their own vacations and provide us with valuable feedback about how much they could pack, how easy the bags were to use, their thoughts on appearance, how the bags performed on their trips and more.

Here are a few helpful tips for picking out a new luggage travel set:

✔️ Wheels: Luggage with four 360-degree spinner wheels tends to perform better in our tests with higher maneuverability scores. You're able to easily push, pull and move the bags in all directions and can still tilt the bags back if you prefer to pull them behind you. Luggage with just two wheels needs to be tilted to roll, and you can only move the bags forward and backward instead of side to side.

✔️ Telescopic handle: If you have the chance to check out the luggage in person, we recommend raising and lowering the handle several times to determine how comfortable it is to use and grip. A sturdy handle can make a big difference when you're pulling a full suitcase through the airport.

✔️ Side handles: You'll use the side handles to raise and lower the suitcase into an overhead bin or pick it up from baggage claim, so it's a good idea to make sure the handles aren't too tight and feel comfortable to use.

✔️ Compartments: Consider if you prefer to open up your suitcase to see a big open space that can hold larger items or if you prefer two smaller compartments for better organization. Most suitcases are equipped with additional zippered pockets, compression straps and/or removable shoe or laundry bags as well. Some bags are also designed with exterior pockets for easy access to travel essentials like your keys and ID.

✔️ Zippers: Because zippers can be finicky, it's a good idea to zip and unzip the bag multiple times if you have the chance to check out the luggage in person.

✔️ Warranties and returns: Many luggage warranties often only cover manufacturer defects and can be difficult to prove, so if you're unsure of committing to your purchase, we suggest reviewing the brand's return and exchange policy. There are plenty of luggage brands that offer extended trial periods that will allow you to test out the luggage at home or, in some cases, take it on a trip, before deciding if it's right for you.

We've tested plenty of hardside and softside luggage and have had top performers in each category. Each type and material has its own perks and disadvantages.

Hardside luggage: Hardshell suitcases are growing in popularity because they're protective, streamlined and lightweight. Not all hard suitcases are the same, though. Here are some of the most common hardside materials:

• Polycarbonate: This is the most popular hardside option. It's lightweight compared to metal and more durable than plastic. The material has high impact resistance, which means it's durable when it's dropped, but it does have lower resistance to scratches and scuffs.
• ABS: A more affordable option, ABS is a plastic material that's lighter than polycarbonate but also less durable and is more prone to scratching.
• Polycarbonate & ABS composite: Suitcases made with a blend of polycarbonate and ABS give you the benefits of both materials, but it's still not quite as durable as 100% polycarbonate. These suitcases typically have an ABS shell with a polycarbonate coating.

Softside luggage: Fabric-based suitcases are more forgiving when it's time to store them when not in use and they give you a bit more leeway to stuff them full of belongings for a trip. They also tend to look nice over time and don't typically show major signs of wear or scratching.

• Nylon: This is the most common material for a softside suitcase. It's a durable synthetic fiber that's able to withstand abrasion and is a great option for frequent flyers who are rough on their bags.
• Polyester: Another synthetic fiber type, polyester is usually less expensive than nylon and is lighter weight, but it's less durable. That said, we've tested some polyester suitcases that have proven to be abrasion resistant.