8 Best Softside Suitcases, Tested by Travel Experts

Samsonite consistently performs well as a brand in Textiles Lab and is a favorite of both GH analysts and our consumer testers. A newer offering from Samsonite, the UpLift line is its lightest collection yet. This 20-inch polyester carry-on bag weighs in at just 5.7 pounds, which is the lightest softside suitcase we've evaluated thus far.

Just because it's more compact than other bags doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. To start, it has a tapered design that grows wider at the bottom to prevent it from tipping over when it's full, along with a 1.25-inch expansion. There are large external pockets for laptops and passports, a built-in USB charging port, and a convenient luggage sleeve on the back of the bag so it can slide over the handle of a checked suitcase. Inside is a large packing space with stretch compression straps, mesh pockets, and a removable toiletries bag.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: When we've evaluated Samsonite suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they've earned some of our top scores across categories, for everything from overall ease of use to maneuverability to durability. The brand's polyester material withstood rubbing in our abrasion tests, and the suitcases held up without major damages after being released repeatedly from our drop tester.

Although it held a standard packing load in our tests, testers wish there were a little more room to pack their belongings, explaining that the interior is slightly smaller than other suitcases they've tried.

RELATED: The Best Samsonite Luggage

The design of this carry-on from American Tourister may be simple compared to others we've evaluated, but if you're looking for a budget-friendly bag that you don't plan to use so frequently, it does the trick. Like most softside suitcases, it has a zipper top that opens to reveal one large storage compartment for packing, with a large mesh zipper pocket in the lid. Plus, there are three external pockets of various sizes, so you're able to store your travel go-tos.

If you need a luggage set for your trip, the brand also offers a three-piece set and a two-piece set for less than the price of some carry-on bags from popular brands.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: The brand's suitcases aren't the most durable compared to other bags we've tested, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth it. I personally owned a set of American Tourister bags for nearly a decade, and it held up impressively well over time. The polyester material looked great, and there were just some minor scuffs and scrapes on the plastic when I passed it along to a family member.

When we've tested other suitcases from this brand, the wheels received perfect scores for rolling smoothly and for feeling stable.

Travelpro was founded by a pilot who wanted to make luggage for airline personnel who are always on the go, but the softside suitcases are popular with flight crews, business travelers and frequent flyers alike. One of the brand's most popular suitcases, the Platinum Elite carry-on is also a Textiles Lab and tester favorite.

Some of the carry-on's highlights include cushioned handles with a contoured grip, self-aligning spinner wheels and a USB port with a pocket for a portable charger (not included). The spacious interior is full of functional features to make packing a breeze including a removable TSA-compliant toiletries bag, a foldable garment bag and pocketed compression panels. It can expand up to 2 inches with a unique tapered expansion system that helps prevent the bag from tipping over, too. We're also fans of the larger checked bag for longer trips.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: It is one of the heavier bags we've tested, but it's made with high-quality materials and is durable, according to our evaluations and online reviewers. The bag withstood repeated drops in our tests without major dents or damages, and the sturdy nylon fabric resisted wear from our abrasion tester.

When I packed the suitcase full of our standard packing load, every single item fit with plenty of room leftover. Testers appreciated the spacious interior, including one who shared, "It helped keep me organized and made it much easier to find what I needed." Another tester commented, "This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried."

If you struggle to lift your bag into an overhead bin or just don't want to lug around something big and bulky, try the Helium DLX suitcase. As the name implies, it's impressively lightweight at just 6.7 lbs for a carry-on bag.

The suitcase unfolds into one primary compartment with adjustable compression straps. It also features a helpful bifold organizer and a mesh zipper pocket, and there are additional pockets on the exterior that our testers said were convenient and easy to access.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: Small yet mighty, the suitcase and material held up well in Textiles Lab assessments for durability, and testers said the bag felt sturdy. I have carried multiple carry-on suitcases from Delsey and immediately noticed a difference in the quality of my Delsey bags compared to more affordable—and even more expensive—alternatives.

When we evaluated the suitcase in the Textiles Lab, the zippers required a bit of effort to use, and it received lower scores for maneuverability, meaning it wasn't as easy to roll around twists and turns as other bags. Still, it received high ratings for its comfortable telescopic handle and for being easy to pack.

Designed to simplify packing for longer trips, this case from Briggs & Riley unzips into one roomy compartment with mesh zippered pockets to stow away smaller items—just like the other bags we feature. But this suitcase stands out because hidden in the lid of the suitcase is a built-in garment folder to properly store more formal attire like a suit jacket or dress. Plus, the best part: The bag features a unique expansion system that allows you to open up the bag for extra space and then compress your belongings back into place with just the push of a button.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: Testers were thrilled with just how much they could fit inside of the bag, sharing that they could pack more than they expected for its smaller size, which meets the carry-on dimensions of most major airlines. I carried a hardside version of this bag through five European countries during the fall and was able to stuff it full of sweaters, long pants, and jackets without a hitch.

The nylon suitcase received top scores in our drop and abrasion tests, and it performed well in our luggage obstacle course. Our testers said it was easy to maneuver around twists and turns and gave the telescopic handle high scores. A tester commented, "The handle and wheels work smoothly such that it is almost effortless to roll." It is on the heavier side, though, weighing in at a hefty 9.9 lbs.

While Away is best-known for its hardside carry-on suitcases, the brand has ventured into softside bags, including the featured carry-on. You might recognize the brand's signature horizontal grooves but now in durable woven nylon and not hardside polycarbonate. Thoughtfully designed, this sleek and minimalistic softside bag has external pockets, but they're not nearly as bulky or prominent as others, and there are monochromatic bumpers on the upper corners of the bag.

The bag has a flip top with a mesh zipper pocket inside, as well as two additional mesh zipper pockets and an adjustable compression panel, which really helps to squish all of your belongings down so you can pack more.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: Testers loved the look of this suitcase, as did I. The front pockets blend seamlessly into the front of the bag, so you barely notice they're there. Unfortunately, I and some other testers agreed that the zipper pulls were hard to use because the pockets are so hidden.

In terms of function, testers appreciated how easy the suitcase was to use. One shared, "It rolls SO well and the handle is both comfortable and easy to lift up and down." Another commented on her experience, "The wheels are so so smooth. It practically pushes itself. I felt like I barely had to push it and it glided through the airport with ease, even over bumps and grooves that would normally trip me up. The handle is so easy to put down and bring up, which made it easy to get through security and later lift it into the plane's overhead bin."

RELATED: Away Luggage Review

This suitcase from SwissGear is beloved by online reviewers who say the quality offered at such an affordable price point can't be beat. And since the luggage is available on Amazon, it comes with convenient Prime shipping. Hundreds of reviewers describe the bag as "perfect," adding that it works well for everything from international ventures to short business trips.

When you open the suitcase, you'll find one large compartment to pack your belongings and adjustable straps to secure everything in place, along with two zippered mesh pockets and a removable wet bag for toiletries. The bag expands 2 inches for even more storage, and there are two additional pockets on the exterior of the bag to stash away small items. And the four spinner wheels allow you to push or pull the suitcase in any direction, and the telescopic handle is gripped for comfort.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: I owned a bag from SwissGear that lasted through years of consistent (near daily) use. The durable material was scratch-free, the zippers glided open and close with ease, and the handles were comfortable to grip.

Similarly, online reviewers say the carry-on is long-lasting and high quality. One described the suitcase design as "quite clever." Another shared, "Excellent suitcase for a long trip or family. It holds a lot of items and has pockets inside and on the outside to keep items organized... The wheels maneuver well and with ease. The handle opens and closes smoothly and is a comfortable length." Some other online reviewers say the handle feels flimsy when fully extended, with a few sharing it broke with heavy use.

Thanks to Calpak's clever designs, you don't have to sacrifice fashion for function. The trendy padded carry-on bag is a part of the brand's larger Luka line, filled with matching pieces like totes and backpacks so you can own a complete collection of fashion-forward luggage.

Inside is one primary compartment with adjustable straps, and there are smaller mesh pockets under the lid. In addition, outside the bag are two more pockets—a large, easy-access laptop compartment and a smaller storage pouch. Reviewers appreciate the organizational features, but some wish it were a little roomier inside with more packing space. The carry-on is on the smaller side and has less packing capacity than most of the other suitcases we've evaluated.

WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR TESTS: The suitcase features a tapered design to prevent it from tipping over when it's full, and the top and side carrying handles are padded for a comfortable feel. We've tried several bags, including suitcases and and travel accessories, from Calpak that we love. When we tested Calpak luggage in the Textiles Lab, it performed well, receiving high scores for its smooth wheels and easy-to-use, comfy telescopic handles.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: Calpak Luggage