11 Best Hardside Luggage Sets in 2024 for Your Next Trip

TL;DR: The best hardside luggage set is the Samsonite Omni PC Luggage Set. Samsonite is a trusted durable brand with integrated TSA locks, and their Omni set is one of the lightest options available—meaning, you can pack more without exceeding the airlines’ weight restrictions.

Investing in durable luggage can ensure a painless travel experience. 

As a certified travel fanatic, an artist, and a chronic over-packer, I know all too well that the wrong luggage will weigh you down and turn packing into a chore.

For the past five years, I’ve traveled the world with heavy art supplies and equipment for installations.

Writing this gives me flashbacks to last summer in Italy, where I dragged a 50+ pound suitcase with broken wheels over cobblestones.

That was the last cheap soft-sided suitcase I’d buy. Halfway through that trip, I bought a hardside suitcase and never looked back.

Hardshell suitcases have a hard plastic shell rather than the fabric material you’ll find on soft-side suitcases. 

For one thing, they’re very durable, and they do a better job of repelling water in rainy conditions.

They’re also a better defense for delicate contents.

Trust me, matching luggage will make you feel like a luxurious and coordinated jet-setter.

In this article, I’ve researched and tested every inch of the market for the best hardshell luggage sets to revolutionize your next vacation—and many more to come!

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at the best hardside luggage sets on the market.

Luggage Sets	Features
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage	Trusted brand with a 10-year warranty Sleek design Read Review
Samsonite Winfield 2 Three-Piece Spinner Set	Trusted brand with a 10-year warranty 13 color options Read Review
Travelers Club Sky+ Luggage Set	Affordable Perfect carry-on set Read Review
Beis Luggage Bundle	High-quality metal zippers Mix-and-match the bags that you want Read Review
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage Set	Lightweight and durable Tons of colors Read Review
Away Premium Luggage Set	100-day return policy Removable laundry bag Read Review
Coolife Luggage Suitcase Set	Easy-access padded 13.3” laptop sleeve Affordable Read Review
Monos Carry-On Plus	Limited lifetime warranty Build your own set Read Review
American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage	Ergonomic handle Affordable Read Review
TravelPro Roundtrip Hardside Expandable Suitcase	Expand up to 2 inches Internal mesh pockets Read Review
TACH V3 Hard Shell 3 Piece Luggage Set	Unique connecting systems Has USB ports and a water bottle holder Read Review

#1 Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage

Best Overall 2-Piece Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 2
Sizes included: 21″ and 28″
Best for: Frequent travelers who need a simple and trustworthy carry-on and checked bag.

First up on the list is the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage.

You’ll see Samsonite hardshell luggage multiple times on this list.

The reason? Samsonite luggage has been around for over 100 years, and they’re still a go-to brand for luggage and travel accessories.

This Samsonite Freeform two-piece set includes one 21″ carry-on and one 28″ check-in bag. 

Both bags have TSA-approved locks, hard polypropylene shells, and four large, multi-directional spinner wheels.

I’m a massive fan of spinner wheels instead of in-line skate wheels that only go backward and forward. 

Spinner wheels allow you to roll the bag in any direction, making it easy to glide across hard floors.

#2 Samsonite Winfield 2 Three-Piece Spinner Set

Best Overall 3-Piece Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 3
Sizes included: 20″, 24″, and 28″
Best for: Travelers who want to take their whole closet with them.

This next set is my favorite for family trips or anyone moving off to college.

If you were a fan of the Samsonite Freeform, you’ll love the Winfield 2 Three-Piece Spinner Set. 

This is the best three-piece set because it offers plenty of space in the giant checked bag, medium, and carry-on.

From the outside in, it has a durable outer shell that can handle being tossed around. And just like the Samsonite Freeform, it has spinner wheels.

High-quality wheels are not only more convenient for you, but they mean that airport personnel can more easily roll your bag across the tarmac instead of throwing it and accidentally breaking it.

My biggest critique of the Samsonite Winfield 2 set is the average-quality organization. It has a bag divider, compression straps, and mesh pockets but that’s about it.

Meanwhile, the Ricardo Mojave Hardside 3-Piece Set by Ricardo Beverly Hills costs a little bit more but has better organizational features.

It comes with a large packing cube and tons of interior pockets for optimizing space. It even has a USB port.

For me though, the trustworthiness of Samsonite materials outweighs the sparkle of a few extra bells and whistles unless you care about having more organization features.

And with 13 color options, this Samsonite three-piece set is easy to spot on the luggage carousel.

#3 Travelers Club Sky+ Luggage Set

Best Carry-On Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 3
Sizes included: 20″ carry-on luggage, plus 15″ tote and 10″ toiletry case
Best for: Those who like to travel light with carry-on bags only.

If you’ve flown budget airlines recently, you know they make up for the cheap ticket prices by adding on extortionate checked luggage fees.

I avoid these extra fees with carry-on only travel for shorter trips.

And this Travelers Club Sky+ Luggage Set meets the carry-on requirements for most budget airlines.

It’s the best hardshell carry-on luggage thanks to the slim 20″ roller that fits in the overhead compartment and the 15″ softshell tote bag that slides under the seat.

Plus, you get a 10″ toiletries bag to stay organized. All three pieces come in rose gold, and the tote slides onto the suitcase handle to make air travel hassle-free.

My sister had a travel kit like this for the longest time, and they’re the best affordable hardside luggage sets for light packers.

Otherwise, if you’d rather have two roller bags at a cheap price, the Coolife Luggage Suitcase Set includes a 20″ and a 28″ bag.

You can check one and carry on the other with your laptop in the protected compartment.

#4 Beis Luggage Bundle

Best Mix-and-Match Set

Number of pieces: 2 or 3
Sizes included: 21″, 26″, and 29″
Best for: People who don’t want a standard set.

Beis tops my personal list of favorite luggage because their hardshell checked bag and weekender carry-on are what I currently use on a regular basis for my travels.

Usually, suitcase sets come with two or three pieces that are all the same color but different sizes.

What I like about the Beis Luggage Bundle is that they offer a discount for buying a set instead of purchasing each piece individually.

And! You get to choose the size and color of each bag.

For my family, a set might be a three-piece hardshell luggage set of orange, navy, and pink carry-on rollers, color-coded with our favorite colors.

I have the 26″ check-in roller and a matching Mini Weekender carry-on in Atlas Pink, and I have been loving them so far.

They’re sleek and stylish and have the highest-quality zippers I’ve ever encountered on a suitcase.

These are also some of the best rollers because they come with built-in weight indicators to help you avoid overweight fees (truly a lifesaver for someone like me.)

Plus, they’re expandable, meaning it’s easy to create extra space for new souvenirs.

#5 ​​Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Best Lightweight Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 3
Sizes included: 20″, 24″, and 28″
Best for: Solo travelers looking for luggage that’s easy for one person to manage.

As someone who packs their bags to the gills, I want lightweight hardshell luggage that will be as light as possible before it’s full.

As the lightest set on this list, Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage Set is an excellent choice for weight-conscious travelers. 

It features side-mounted TSA-compatible locks, so you can rest easy knowing that no one else will help themselves to your belongings. 

And in addition to peace of mind, these bags have a lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell with a striking recessed stripe design. 

Double spinner wheels and a sturdy push-button handle round out the features of these suitcases. 

Samsonite is a leading luggage brand, and while there are other lightweight bags out there, Samsonite’s version comes out on top.

#6 Away Premium Luggage Set

Best Anti-Theft Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 2 or 3
Sizes included: 23″, 26″, and 29″
Best for: Packing valuable items into checked baggage.

For airline security reasons, TSA will break a lock if they need to look inside your bag after you’ve checked it.

That’s where the TSA-approved lock comes in.

TSA agents have a special key to unlock these integrated TSA-approved locks so that only you and airline security can access the contents.

While many suitcases include TSA-compatible locks, the Away Premium Luggage Set is one of the best-rated luggage sets around.

And these super durable suicases have a TSA-compatible combination lock. No more missing keys!

Then, when it’s the off-season, the carry-on nests inside of the larger checked bag for easy storage.

If you’re not concerned about international carry-on regulations, it might be worthwhile to check out their Bigger Carry-On Flex set.

I take a lot of cheap international flights, so it’s too big for me, but Away’s Bigger Carry-On Flex fits 20% more than the normal Carry-Flex.

And you’ll save money by ordering it as an Away luggage set instead of individually.

#7 ​​Coolife Luggage Suitcase Set

Best Hardside Luggage Set with a Laptop Compartment

Number of pieces: 2 
Sizes included: 21″ and 28″
Best for: Business travelers who work on the go.

My laptop comes with me everywhere, and I’ll admit that sometimes I get rough with it. 

So, if you’re anything like me, you need a hard shell carry-on with a designated laptop sleeve.

While many articles recommend the Delsey Paris Helium Aero Luggage Set, I prefer the Coolife Luggage Suitcase Set for a number of reasons.

First of all, Coolife is half the price and has all of the same features.

What really sets Coolife Luggage apart though, is that the separate laptop compartment actually locks. Hallelujah!

While the main compartment of the Delsey Paris Helium Aero set locks, the laptop pocket doesn’t.

I find this silly because my laptop is the most expensive thing I put in my suitcase and I want it properly secured.

If you have a bigger budget, definitely compare the Coolife and Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and go with whichever feels right for you.

Overall, the Coolife is an affordable luggage set with a padded laptop sleeve that’s fully protected with the same hard shell as the rest of the suitcase.

And I love having the laptop pocket on the bag’s exterior for easy access.

No more sifting through my underwear at the gate like with a traditional rolling luggage bag.

#8 Monos Carry-On

Most Durable Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 1-3
Sizes included: 20″, 24″, and 28″
Best for: Discerning shoppers who want to make a solid investment.

I see luggage as an investment, so it better last.

We’ve been testing out the Monos carry-on for six months now and have taken it on everything from a wine weekend in Paso Robles to a bachelorette weekend in Vegas.

Its durability, sleek look, and straightforward design (that includes anti-theft features like a TSA lock) is exactly why we wanted to include it on this list.

The Monos Carry-On is so durable that it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

And Monos takes its testing process very seriously.

Monos does drop tests, cobblestone simulators, and even one test that includes a giant hamster wheel of danger (the test videos are actually quite entertaining).

Generally, hardshell suitcase brands use either ABS, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. 

Polycarbonate is the most durable out of the three, which is probably why Monos uses it for their suitcases.

This is another situation where you can build your own set.

Start with the carry-on and add a medium or large hardshell suitcase to fit your personal needs.

#9 American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage

Best Budget Hardside Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 3
Sizes included: 20″, 24″, and 28″
Best for: Younger travelers on a budget.

A great budget find isn’t just about the price tag; it’s also about getting more bang for your buck. 

The American Tourister Stratum XLT Luggage is a fraction of the cost of most two and three-piece suitcase sets on this list. 

This cheap luggage set uses durable ABS material instead of polycarbonate, which helps keep the cost down.

ABS suitcases are generally more affordable while still maintaining a good level of durability.

These bags also have multi-directional spinner wheels to easily glide alongside you as you rush through an airport and telescoping handles that have an ergonomic grip. 

Zippered mesh dividers and elastic cross straps help keep your belongings organized and tightly packed inside the cases.

Additionally, there are fourteen different colors to choose from, so there’s something to suit everybody’s tastes.

Whether you like sleek black luggage or wild, easy-to-spot color, this set has you covered!

#10 TravelPro Roundtrip Hardside Expandable Suitcase

Best Hardside Expandable Luggage Sets

Number of pieces: 2
Sizes included: 23″ and 28″
Best for: Chronic over-packers in need of more packing space. 

If you’re a fellow over-packer, the Travelpro Roundtrip Luggage might be your new best friend. 

This set comes with two rolling suitcases that feature durable polycarbonate shells in seven different color choices.

They have reinforced corners and built-in TSA-approved locks for extra protection as well. 

But best of all, these bags can expand up to 2″, giving you extra luggage space when you buy too many souvenirs.

Having the ability to expand it makes this the best hardside checked luggage for those of us who pack light but like to shop while traveling.

And if you don’t already have packing cubes, don’t worry–the mesh pockets will keep your belongings secure and organized.

If you’re looking for single suitcases or you have a bigger budget, I’d also recommend the reimagined TravelPro Platinum Elite.

Just like the Roundtrip suitcase, the TravelPro Platinum Elite also expands by 2″.

However, one thing to note is that the TravelPro Platinum Elite is the same price as a set of Roundtrip bags.

This is because the TravelPro Platinum Elite has a few more features, like the USB outlet and an interior water-resistant pocket.

#11 TACH V3 Hard Shell 3-Piece Luggage Set

Best Connectable Luggage Set

Number of pieces: 3
Sizes included: 20″, 24″, and 28″
Best for: Travelers who need to transport a lot of luggage single-handily.

It’s pretty challenging to walk with two rolling suitcases at once, let alone three suitcases. Because of this, many sets won’t work for one person to use all at once.

The Tach V3 Hard Shell 3-Piece Luggage Set solves this issue with a patented connecting system.

All three suitcases velcro together, so a single person can easily roll them at once with a pull strap. 

Inside, there are compression straps and built-in organizational pockets for extra packing space.

The smallest bag fits in the overhead compartment, and they all have double-spinner wheels.

And Tach really thought of everything with this set.

The carry-on also comes with multiple pockets and two USB charging ports. There’s even a foldable water bottle holder on the outside of one bag.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hardside Luggage Set

What to Look for in Hardside Luggage

Material

When shopping for the best hardside luggage sets, looking at the material can give you an idea about the suitcase’s quality in just a few minutes.

Polycarbonate is the most durable material for hard-shell luggage sets, but some use ABS or polypropylene. 

Size

Budget airlines (especially international ones) have strict size and weight restrictions.

When I traveled to Europe for the first time, my aunt gave me the best advice.

She said to be extra careful when looking at the dimensions for the best luggage sets for international travel.

One time she was flying to Paris and had to check the carry-on bag.

The airlines lost her bag and she spent the first few days of her dream vacation in the same stinky outfit.

Suitcases can vary by as little as an inch.

Additional space is great, but look up the airlines that you fly most frequently and make sure your luggage meets the sizing requirements.

Weight

The same goes for weight. Heavy suitcases have less weight available for your belongings.

Purchasing a lightweight suitcase helps keep the base weight low so that you can pack more clothes and souvenirs.  

I also try to make a habit of weighing my bag before getting to the airport. 

Luggage scales are the most convenient since they’re portable, but you can also use your bathroom scale (just make sure it’s accurate).

Durability

Reading reviews like this helps determine the durability of a bag. The most durable luggage sets will have consistently positive reviews.

Additionally, you can check for details on how a brand tests its luggage.

For example, here’s a video of Samsonite’s testing procedures:

Extra Features

When I’m buying best-rated luggage sets, extra features translate directly to peace of mind.

A carry-on with a USB charging port means I’m less likely to find myself stranded with a dead phone. 

Integrated packing cubes or a full-zip interior divider lead to more organized belongings and a less stressful travel experience.

But, as tempting as it is, don’t get caught up in too many features. 

I always prioritize shell materials, spinning wheels, handle quality, and TSA locks above all else.

How Many Pieces in a Set

Last but not least, keep in mind that when you’re purchasing hard-and-soft luggage sets, more isn’t always better.

I like buying multi-piece sets because matching luggage looks professional on business trips and it’s cheaper to buy two-piece sets than to purchase bags individually.

It might be practical for families to buy five piece sets, but two or three pieces are plenty for solo travelers or even a couple.

FAQs About Hardside Luggage

Which brand of hardside luggage is the most durable?

When it comes to hard shell luggage sets, Samsonite has been making luggage and travel accessories for over a century.

And they offer a 10-year warranty, so you’ll be protected for a decade after buying, even if your luggage breaks.

If not Samsonite, some of the luxury brands like Monos, Away, and Beis are also very trustworthy.

Are hardside suitcases better than soft suitcases?

Both hardside suitcases and softshell suitcases have their merits.

With that said, hard suitcases provide better protection for delicate gear, such as camera equipment, than softside suitcases. 

If you pack breakable items into softside luggage, they may get crushed under a pile of other bags, while a hardshell suitcase would protect them.

Softside luggage is also more susceptible to theft since they can be cut open.

And softside luggage will also soak up rainwater, but the contents of a hard suitcase will remain dry.

Not to mention, hard luggage is also easier to clean.

Are hardside suitcases heavier?

One downside of a hardside suitcase is that hard luggage is generally heavier because they use heavier materials than soft luggage. 

With that said, hard luggage can still be relatively lightweight with the right design and construction.

What is a good weight for a luggage set?

Generally, carry-on roller luggage is 7-8 pounds, medium-size check-in luggage is 9-10 pounds, and larger suitcases are around 11-12 pounds.

What carry-ons do pilots use?

Of course, pilots use a range of different luggage brands, but two companies that repeatedly show up on lists of the best hard luggage sets, according to pilots, are Samsonite and Travelpro. 

What are the disadvantages of hardside luggage?

The hard exterior prevents contents from being smashed, but that also means you can’t squish a carry-on into some overhead bins.

Also, the outer shell might crack if it’s made of low-quality materials or dropped from high up.

Lastly, overpacking your suitcase puts more strain on the zipper when the exterior can’t stretch like a softshell bag.

Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?

Airlines don’t have a preference, but they will warn that hardshell luggage offers more protection for breakable items.

Most hardshell bags also come with TSA-approved locking zippers, which are also recommended for preventing theft.

Why is hardside luggage so popular?

As previously mentioned, hard shell bags offer more protection because they’re impact-resistant and rain-resistant.

Plus, the built-in TSA locks, interior dividers, and extra packing space also add convenience.

Oh yeah, and then there’s style. Hardside bags often come in more colors and patterns compared to soft bags.

How much should I expect to spend on a hardside luggage set?

High-quality hardside bags get expensive, but you get what you pay for. Expect to pay $300-$500 if you want a good set that’s sure to last for years to come.

What’s the best material for hardside luggage?

Polycarbonate is more durable than the other plastics used for hard luggage. It’s more flexible and does a better job resisting impact, but it’s also more expensive. 

The other materials you’ll find in hardside bags are ABS and polypropylene, which are less expensive and less durable than polycarbonate.

Polypropylene is the most lightweight of the three and offers a good balance of durability, affordability, and lightness.

Does hardside luggage crack?

Hardside shell bags can crack. The best way to avoid cracking is to choose a durable polycarbonate suitcase.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Hardside Luggage Set

Overall, my choice for the best hard-sided suitcase set is the Samsonite Omni PC Luggage Set. 

Not only is it made from 100% injection-molded polycarbonate, but the surface has a micro-diamond scratch-resistant texture. 

Pair that with Samsonite’s 10-year warranty, and you have a set of luggage that you can count on for a very long time.

Plus, this is the best hardside luggage set on Amazon, which means easy-peasy shipping.

In this set, you get three suitcases: one small carry-on and two larger ones for checked luggage. 

And with 12 color options to choose from, you can go bright and easily spot your suitcase on the baggage carousel. 

Whether you choose to go with this Samsonite set or one of the other items on this list, a hardside suitcase set will protect your belongings on all your future travels.

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