Sleek, light and zippy, hard shell styles are quickly becoming the norm when it comes to investing in a suitcase. The current styles on the market utilise the latest in polycarbonate or similar materials – sometimes recycled – to create a strong and durable yet lightweight shell, making them a breeze to lift and manoeuvre. Increasingly, these shells are also becoming more stylish via chic colour schemes that are easily spotted on the baggage carousel.
As we mention in our guide to the best luggage brands, we prefer using a hard shell suitcase for our check-in luggage. While they tend to cost more, these suitcases are designed to be more durable, offer better protection and are easier to clean than soft fabric styles. While for carry-on luggage, we prefer soft styles or hard shell cases with outer pockets.
The suitcases on this list come with the following features as standard:
Every case on this list has been independently reviewed by our commerce editors or freelance packing experts. We run each case through a test in office, and when available, have our editors test the cases when travelling abroad. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.
Nere Stori 75cm Suitcase
Pros: The price, the colour range
Cons: ABS can be prone to scuffing
Dimensions: 75cm x 47cm x 31cm
Weight: 4.8kg
Warranty: 10 year warranty
This is the largest suitcase from Nere’s bestselling Stori range, providing ample storage for two-week plus trips, and it’s further expandable to help you squeeze in all the souvenirs you’ve picked up throughout your travels. An ABS hard shell outer should keep belongings well-protected in the hold, and there are two additional pockets inside, as well as the roomy clothing compartments. It comes in the full array of the brand’s signature pastel colours, and there are matching smaller cases – including full sets – that can be stored neatly inside when not in use. A TSA lock provides extra peace of mind, as does the 10-year warranty – impressive given the very reasonable price point. If you’re looking for an inexpensive case that will see you through longer holidays, this one’s hard to beat.
Antler Stamford large
Pros: The price, removable packing divider
Cons: Prone to scuffing and scratches
Dimensions: 81.5 cm x 54cm x 34.5cm
Weight: 5.1kg
Warranty: 10 year warranty
The largest of Antler’s popular Stamford range, the large case can store the brand’s medium and cabin bags inside, making buying the set an ideal option if you’re in need of multiple sizes. As with the whole Stamford range, the case is made from sturdy polycarbonate, and features high-quality 360 degree spinner wheels. There’s plenty of room in this generous size, but if you need more, the expandable zip offers 5 centimetres of extra space. Inside, there are three zip up compartments on one side, as well as a divider on the other that sits under the compression straps and is fully removable. For those that want even more organisation, the brand also has a range of packing cubes designed to fit perfectly.
Aviator Grand checked luggage
Pros: Carbon-neutral, interior compression, unlikely to scuff, stylish design
Cons: None that we can see
Dimensions: 71.7cm x 46.3cm x 27.9cm
Weight: 4.6kg
Warranty: 10 year limited warranty
The look of Paravel’s Aviator luggage collection alone is enough to make it a winner – a textured shell available in five different shades with contrasting leather trim, plus the option to add a monogram to the trim as well. But in addition to the aesthetic, this case is also the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase. Not only are most of the materials recycled, from the lightweight polycarbonate to the aluminium handles, the zippers and even the vegan leather, but the brand offsets all carbon emissions generated by creating and shipping the Aviator Grand to you, as well as the estimated emissions of its first trip with you.
Travelpro maxlite air hardside expandable
Pros: Both sides can be fully zipped up
Cons: No compression straps, handle can be temperamental
Dimensions: 77.4cm x 49.5cm x 30.4cm
Weight: 4.5kg
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
A great value case, Travelpro Maxlite’s comes with all of the classic features (TSA-approved lock, 360 degree spinner wheels), but with a few extra impressive bells and whistles as well. One clever addition is the polycarbonate hard shell has an impact absorbing finish on it (essentially a 3D-stripe texture), designed to help reduce scuffs and scratches. We also love that the interior lining is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Away The Large Flex Suitcase
Pros: Multiple colour options, comes with a wash bag and leather luggage tag
Cons: Prone to scuffing, colours sell out quickly, on the heavier side
Dimensions: 73.7cm x 52.1cm x 31.8cm
Weight: 5.6kg
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Trendy brand Away is probably best known for its sleek carry-on case, but its large suitcase is equally impressive. One of our writers actually used this case when she moved countries and particularly loved the in-build compression pad, removable interior lining and the leather luggage tag that it comes with. Another clever feature worth noting is the addition of a handle underneath, allowing for easier grip when you need to lift it, plus the expandable zip that allows for an extra 4.45cm of space.
Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Pros: Secure compression panels, unlikely to scuff
Cons: On the heavier side
Dimensions: 68.5cm x 47cm x 29cm
Weight: 5.5kg
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
With three jewel tone shades to choose from, this Briggs & Riley looks great on the outside. Inside it’s even better, particularly if you like to stay organised with multiple pockets. On one side there are three zip-up mesh pockets – one large and two small. On the other are very clever adjustable garment compression panels. Instead of the usual zip style, these open out into two flaps and are easily secured together with two buckles, so it’s easier to fit more while still neatly securing everything in place.
Rimowa Check-In M
Pros: Lightweight, unlikely to scuff
Cons: Expensive price
Dimensions: 67cm x 45.2cm x 24.1cm
Weight: 4kg
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
As part of the LVMH group, German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market. While they’re probably best known for their aluminium cases, the check-in medium case is made from an ultralight polycarbonate shell that comes in four different glossy shades and one matte. While not every traveller will be open to the high price tag, if you’re a frequent flyer looking for the best in looks and function, this is a worthy investment.
If we had to pick our favourite luggage in terms of looks, it would be Brics’ Bellagio range. The classic cream case with tan leather trim – even the enlarged spinner wheels are tan – is the epitome of Italian elegance. While the case looks timeless, it does feature a range of modern details such as a water repellant zip with TSA-approved lock and an adjustable handle.
Pros: Classic look, three-position adjustable handle
Cons: Leather trim requires more maintenance to clean, no compression straps
Dimensions: 76cm x 53cm x 29cm
Weight: 4.6kg
Brics Bellagio four-wheel suitcase
Pros: Classic look, three-position adjustable handle
Cons: Leather trim requires more maintenance to clean, no compression straps
Dimensions: 76cm x 53cm x 29cm
Weight: 4.6kg
If we had to pick our favourite luggage in terms of timeless looks, it would be Brics’ Bellagio range. The classic cream case with tan leather trim – even the enlarged spinner wheels are tan – is the epitome of Italian elegance. While the case looks timeless, it does feature a range of modern details such as a water repellant zip with TSA-approved lock and an adjustable handle.
Beis The 26” Check-in Roller
Pros: Weight limit indicator, unique interior pocket design
Cons: None that we can see
Dimensions: 71.1cm x 40.6cm x 27.9cm
Weight: 5.4kg
Warranty: Lifetime limited warrant
Beis Travel has paired their sleek minimalist design with plenty of storage space for their 26” check-in roller. The case has an expandable zip that allows for 5 centimetres of extra room, as well as a very clever weight limit indicator to ensure you don’t overpack. To use it, simply lift the case up and if the indicator next to the handle goes red, the case is over the weight limit. Inside, the case has a great range of zip up compartments and pockets as well as compression flaps and straps, plus a built-in laundry bag labelled ‘dirt bag.’