The Best Spinner Luggage of 2023

A quality piece of spinner luggage is smooth, easy to maneuver, and convenient to use, but there are a lot of overhyped options out there with fragile wheels and cumbersome designs. If you’re looking for a new spinner suitcase, you want one that is sleek, durable, smooth-rolling, and lightweight—all while packing in features for organization and useability.

When I travel, I really put my luggage to the test. I’ve seen and experienced my share of cracked wheels, failed zippers, and ripped seams. For the recommendations in this article, I’ve made it my quest to find spinner luggage that will stand up to the abuse of frequent travel.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note what spinner luggage is, exactly, and how it’s different from rolling luggage.

• Spinner luggage includes any luggage that has four swiveling wheels that can rotate in any direction.
• Rolling luggage (rollaboard luggage) has two wheels that are rigidly mounted.

Remember, your luggage needs to fit your type of travel and personal style. Rather than choosing something based on popular opinion, do your research and buy a suitcase that works for you.

In this list, I’m breaking down the best spinner luggage for different use cases to help you decide which to pick.

Monos is one of the best luggage brands out there. Their designs give everything you need without extra complication, and they are committed to quality. Their quality and durability testing is incredibly thorough and ensures you get a suitcase that will last.

Their direct-to-consumer model means they can offer this amazing quality at much lower prices than competing products.

For the best spinner luggage overall, you want something that is highly durable while still being lightweight to make fitting within airline weight restrictions easier.

Well-designed interior organization is also key. You want something with multiple compartments inside so you can keep things neat.

The Monos Check-In Medium is a sleek, durable spinner suitcase that does everything you need a check-in bag to do perfectly without getting in its own way with overly complicated features.

This checked suitcase has a tough polycarbonate outer shell and Monos’ custom-designed double spinner wheels that are use-tested to stand up to cobblestones and other rough surfaces. You can count on this hard shell bag to last a lifetime of travel.

The interior organization features are extremely well designed, with compression straps, a zippered divider, and plenty of zippered pockets that are mesh so you can see their contents.

One thing you don’t get with this suitcase is external pockets. In my view, this isn’t as important with checked luggage, but if you really want to be able to access things from outside, you might want to look at a different option.

This suitcase also comes with a built-in TSA lock. Combined with the rigid polycarbonate shell, you can rest assured that your belongings are secure inside.

This bag also pairs well with a Monos carry-on, which can nest inside perfectly for storage.

If you are looking for the best spinner luggage available, you won’t be disappointed with the Monos Check-In Medium.

AmazonBasics is well-known for making affordable, functional, value-oriented products from wireless keyboards to linen shirts.

AmazonBasics-branded luggage costs a fraction of many other brands while still delivering good functionality. While you can’t expect the same materials and quality control, they make suitcases that do the job without breaking the bank.

A budget spinner suitcase should ideally cost around $100 without cutting too many corners on quality and functionality. You still want high-quality zippers, wheels, and handles to ensure it doesn’t immediately fall apart.

The AmazonBasics 24” Hardshell is spot-on for price point and is one of the cheapest spinner luggage options that still offers the features you need in a well-made package.

The ABS hard shell isn’t as tough as polycarbonate, but it still does a good job of protecting the contents and is unlikely to break with normal use.

If you need affordable carry-on luggage, this suitcase also comes in a 22-inch variety that gives the same great value in a carry-on-sized package.

I like that this design keeps it simple and focuses on delivering a solid, functional product at an even better price. You won’t get the amazing durability of a brand like Monos, but if you are more of an occasional traveler, this may be perfect for you.

This is the second Monos product on this list, and for good reason. Their minimalist design, uncompromising quality, and fantastic warranty make for trustworthy spinner luggage.

Checking luggage can be quite expensive, so if you’re looking to save money while traveling, using just a carry-on can be a great way to go, and Monos makes some of the best carry-on luggage out there.

A carry-on suitcase becomes your go-everywhere companion on trips and can see a lot of hard use. Carry-on luggage is shoved into the overhead bin, dragged over rough streets, and often packed to the bursting point.

A good carry-on bag needs to be durable enough to stand up to all that. You also should look for a lightweight option. Trust me, when you’re taking your carry-on everywhere, every pound saved makes a difference.

The Monos Carry-On Pro brings you all of the durability, innovation, and style of the Monos brand into a sleek carry-on that will get you where you need to go.

The overall construction of these carry-on bags is the same as Monos’ larger suitcases. You get a rugged polycarbonate hard shell and virtually indestructible wheels.

Other than size, the biggest difference between this carry-on and the Monos Check-In is the addition of a large zippered pocket on the outside. Exterior pockets are fantastic for carry-on luggage and let you easily access electronics, books, or anything else you need during travel.

The Monos Carry-On Pro is a beautiful, functional, and well-built carry-on spinner that will serve you well for years to come.

July was founded with the goal of improving travel with intelligently designed and well-constructed products that integrate seamlessly into your travel experience.

July read complaints from thousands of travelers and identified the key areas for improvement in checked and carry-on luggage before designing their products.

If you’re looking to get both check-in and carry-on bags, it makes a lot of sense to shop for a luggage set. It will generally save money over buying cases separately and gives you a matching collection that works together seamlessly.

A good spinner luggage set should keep you ready for any trip. From a few days at the beach to a month hopping around Europe to traveling with a family, you want a set that can adapt to any type of travel.

The July Family Set comes with a Carry-On, Checked, and Checked Plus. This combination ensures you’re ready for fast and light carry-on-only trips or family excursions where you need to haul lots of gear.

The matching cases have durable polycarbonate hard shells, aluminum corner bumpers, July’s highly-engineered spinner wheels, and YKK-brand zippers. You can rely on this set to last for decades.

 The cases nest into each other perfectly during storage. This saves space when you aren’t using them and is a great example of why buying a set is better than individual bags.

The July Family Set is a perfect combination for anyone needing three suitcases. If you don’t need that much space, there is also a two-piece set available.

Briggs & Riley is a manufacturer that’s dedicated to the absolute highest quality and reliability. They are one of the few brands that offer a true lifetime guarantee. They will repair your suitcase for free if it is ever damaged, no matter what.

In my eyes, it adds a lot of credibility and trust when a brand is willing to stand behind a product like that. Whenever I can, I’ll seek out products that come with 

Hard shell luggage is the ultimate solution for durability and protection. If you are carrying fragile items that you don’t want damaged, a durable hard suitcase is the way to go. The best hardside luggage can last a lifetime, and the investment is worth it.

In a good hardside suitcase you should look for durable materials, reinforced corners, and well-designed closures. You also want one that’s relatively lightweight so you can stay below airline weight restrictions.

The Briggs & Riley Torq is a perfect example of how focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail can make for a highly functional and long-lasting piece of spinner luggage. Bomber construction and well-designed features make this a good choice for any type of travel.

The four spinner wheels have solid steel ball bearings. This means smoother rolling and long life.

The polycarbonate outer shell is beefed up in the corners and has an anti-scratch texture. This makes this suitcase ready to take a beating and keep looking good.

While this spinner suitcase is expensive, it makes up for it with excellent quality and an impressive warranty. If you’re willing to invest in a suitcase for life, this is the one for you.

Travelpro started by building luggage for flight crews, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about what frequent travelers demand from their gear.

Soft sided luggage is typically lighter weight than luggage with a rigid outer shell, and also often features more external and internal pockets for organization.

A good softside suitcase should maximize these features with excellent organization, expandability, and a lightweight yet durable design.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25” Check-In has everything you ask from softside spinner luggage exceptionally well. It has a massive main compartment, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and convenient features.

The exterior of the bag has two zippered pockets on the front face. This is difficult to find in hard bags and makes accessing important items that much easier.

The MagnaTrac spinner wheels offer incredibly smooth rolling and steering. This bag won’t slow you down in the airport.

The built-in TSA lock keeps your belongings secure while being easy for authorities to unlock for inspection.

There is also an awesome fold-out garment holder. This is great for keeping clothes wrinkle-free during your flight.

All these features combine into a stylish and highly functional package in this great softside spinner luggage.

July has already been featured on this list for their fantastic family luggage set, but they also make some of the best lightweight luggage on the market.

I definitely recommend looking for luggage that cuts down on weight. Carry-ons that weigh less are easier to heave up to the overhead compartment or drag through the streets.

The July Carry-On Light is the lightest carry-on I’ve ever seen. It weighs just 3.9 lbs! You’d expect that such a lightweight suitcase would compromise on durability, but July has kept the standard high with high-quality materials and solid construction.

This case is built with a German polycarbonate shell, sturdy YKK zippers, and an aerospace-grade aluminum telescopic handle. All this means that even though this suitcase is ultralight, it’s well-made and should last a long time.

The four spinner wheels are SilentMove Series 2 double spinner wheels that July redesigned from the ground up to improve on existing luggage wheels. They are awesomely smooth and quiet and are tested to stand up to abuse.

The July Carry-On Light is small enough to fit within both domestic and international carry-on size restrictions. This means you can bring it with you on pretty much any flight anywhere in the world. I’m a huge fan of versatility, so this is a great point in my book.

If you’re looking for lightweight carry-on luggage that still checks all the boxes for space, features, and durability, I definitely recommend the July Carry-On Light.

8. Samsonite DLX: Best Spinner Checked Luggage

Samsonite luggage is one of the most recognizable luggage brands in the industry. You’ll find their products everywhere, from Costco to Amazon. There’s a good reason for Samsonite’s popularity: they are known for building solid luggage for a wide range of budgets.

Checked baggage takes a lot of abuse during travel. A lot happens between the check-in counter and luggage carousel, and airline baggage handlers aren’t known for being gentle.

The best checked spinner luggage doesn’t necessarily need to have lots of external pockets or features: you won’t have access to it while flying anyway. It just needs to be durable and protective so your belongings arrive safe and sound.

The Samsonite DLX is a spacious check-in suitcase with a durable, protective hardshell and smooth-rolling wheels that will bring your checked items through safely. 

The distinctive-looking molded polypropylene shell is hard to miss, so you won’t have trouble finding it at baggage claims. It’s not just visual, though; the molded-in ridges and waves add structural rigidity and durability, so this case can stand up to abuse.

The smooth-rolling double spinner wheels are quiet and sturdy. Even fully loaded, this big suitcase is easy to maneuver through the airport.

If you’re looking for a big checked bag that’s protective and secure, I highly recommend the Samsonite DLX.

This is the second Briggs & Riley product on this list, and it’s because they make luggage with fantastic quality and stand behind their products with one of the best guarantees in the business.

For most international flights, carry-on size is restricted to 21” compared to 22” for domestic airlines. The most important requirement for international luggage is to have a carry-on that fits this smaller size restriction.

Of course you also don’t want to sacrifice useable packing space. A good international suitcase should fit the size requirements while maximizing useable space. You’ll also want impressive reliability and durability so you aren’t caught with a damaged suitcase far from home.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline International Carry-On is a beautiful, well-designed, and well-built bag that perfectly fits the needs of an international traveler.

This suitcase uses a One-Touch CX expansion system to give you more space when you need it. This adds a lot of versatility and keeps you ready to come back from a trip with souvenirs in tow.

Thick, burly external fabric, reinforced corner bumpers, and proprietary shock-absorbing double spinner wheels make this bag ready to take some abuse. You can have confidence that this suitcase will last you a lifetime of travel.

This bag has carrying handles on every side, including the bottom. When you have to haul your luggage into an overhead bin or toss it on top of a bus, having extra carry handles makes things much easier.

It’s expensive, but the Baseline International is an investment that I think is worth it for serious international travelers.

Away is a brand that emphasizes building well-designed products that provide a seamless travel experience. I love their commitment to innovation and constantly improving their designs.

If you’re a super light packer, you may not need the space of a full-sized carry-on. On the flip side, maybe you need just a bit more space than your main luggage can handle. Eitherway, an underseat bag with spinner wheels can be a great solution.

A good underseat spinner should be compact, lightweight, and still maximize the space you have for packing. Underseat luggage is best for keeping all your essentials close at hand, so you’ll want space for everything you’ll need en route and accessibility to reach everything.

The Away Daily Carry-On is a well-built little suitcase that fits personal item size limits and packs in lots of great features with sturdy construction and smooth-rolling spinner wheels.

The external zippered pocket is one of the best features of this little suitcase. It perfectly fits a 13” laptop or can keep electronics, books, and documents within easy reach while traveling.

The inside of the case has a removable three-part accordion divider. This is awesome for organization, especially if you’re bringing documents or small items. I also love that it’s removable so you can easily open up one large main compartment.

For ultralight travelers who just need one small bag, or anyone looking to add some extra carrying capacity with a personal item suitcase, I highly recommend the Away Daily Carry-On.

How to Choose the Best Spinner Luggage

There are a lot of factors to take into account when shopping for a new piece of luggage, and there’s no one size fits all solution for everyone. This guide will outline a few of the key things to consider as you choose the best luggage for your personal needs.

Hard vs Soft Spinner Luggage

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make as you research luggage options is whether to buy a hard or soft shell suitcase. Here is a quick rundown of the advantages of each so you can choose the right design for you:

Hard Luggage Advantages

• Hardshell luggage is much more protective if you’re carrying breakable items.
• A hardshell suitcase with a built-in lock is more secure from theft because you can’t just tear it open.
• Because the rigid outer shell is made of a solid piece of molded plastic, it will be more water-resistant.

Soft Luggage Advantages

• Softshell luggage is usually more lightweight, making it easier to stay within airline weight restrictions.
• Softshells will have more options for external pockets and organization.
• I think the single large compartment of softshell luggage makes it easier to pack than the clamshell design of hard luggage.

Quality and Durability

If you are a frequent traveler, I think you should view a piece of luggage as an investment. Spending a bit more money can give you a suitcase that will last for decades, rather than breaking within a year or two.

There’s a lot to factor in when talking about luggage durability, and it isn’t as simple as assuming that more expensive equals more durable.

• Look for high-quality materials like polycarbonate shells or high-denier fabrics.
• Wheels are one of the first things to break on spinner luggage. Try to find a suitcase with durable wheels and stainless steel bearings for the best longevity.
• Zippers are another common failure point in luggage. YKK zippers are the gold standard in the industry and have proven reliability.

Spinner Luggage Features

A good piece of luggage needs more than just four spinner wheels and a zipper. Manufacturers have started incorporating intelligent design features that improve the convenience, organization, and security of luggage.

Here are a few of the key features you should look for when shopping for spinner luggage:

• Internal organization is key for taming the chaos when you travel. It’s easy for packing to turn into a jumbled mess, so features like internal zippered dividers, pockets, and tie-down straps go a long way toward improving organization.
• Well-designed carry handles are an absolute requirement in my view. So many manufacturers skimp on handles. Look for well-built handles that are securely mounted. I also think more handles are better. You never know when you’ll need to lift a bag up by the side or bottom.
• External pockets aren’t strictly necessary for checked bags, but they are a huge benefit for carry-on luggage. They provide easy access to electronics or other small items you may need while traveling.

Spinner Luggage Accessories

Getting geared up for travel requires more than just a suitcase. These accessories will help with organization and improve your overall travel experience. Ultimately, you want your travel setup to work so well you don’t even notice it and can just focus on the experience. Dialing in the details makes that possible.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft Tote

Most airlines allow you one full-size carry-on to fit in the overhead compartment and one smaller personal item to fit under your seat. If you want to take full advantage of the allowed carry-ons, it makes sense to bring a bag for your personal item to keep all your travel essentials close at hand.

This compact bag slides over the telescopic handle of your main suitcase. This means you still only have one cumbersome wheeled object to maneuver through the airport.

While compact, the Maxlite 5 Soft Tote has a surprising amount of room. You’ll have no problem fitting all your electronics, books, snacks, and anything else you may need during your flight.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

I hate packing a suitcase. No matter what I do, it always seems like it just becomes a jumbled mess in the main compartment. I’ve found that packing cubes can work wonders for organizing a chaotic mess in a suitcase.

These zippered packing cubes come in an array of sizes to fit different items. They also have a transparent mesh front panel so it’s easy to see what’s inside.

REI Co-Op Flash 18 Pack

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll likely want a travel daypack for heading out on excursions. This small daypack is lightweight, packable, comfortable, and perfect for any adventure, from hiking to urban exploration.

During a flight, you can either use this bag as your personal item to keep essentials close at hand, or use it as an extra compartment inside your main suitcase to help with organization.

Away Small Toiletry Bag

This small zippered bag works well for keeping all your toiletries organized and in one place.

One external zippered pocket and a transparent internal divider make it easy to see and access all your toiletries. Though it’s definitely compact, you’ll be surprised at how much fits in this little bag.

The small size is perfect for light packers, but if you need a bit more space, you can check out Away’s Large Toiletry Bag.

July Tech Kit

Keeping track of small electronic items like cables, headphones, and chargers can be a challenge. When traveling I’m always stressed that I’ll lose my phone charger or head phones en route.

This little zippered case gives you a dedicated place for those small, easy-to-lose items. With room for earbuds, chargers, cables, a USB battery bank, and a pen/stylus, you won’t have to worry about losing anything.

Why Trust TravelFreak?

When you’re looking for product recommendations, you want to make sure you’re getting them from a reliable source with real-world knowledge and testing. Here at TravelFreak, our main goal is to get you the best information possible so you can get out there and have an incredible experience traveling the world.

This list comes from our combined years of experience traveling and testing luggage. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what is most likely to cause frustration on trips. We don’t recommend products just because they are popular: every suitcase on this list is something we are confident in and would use in our own travels.

We recommend products based on our real-world observations, discoveries, and challenges during our own travels, and we analyze manufacturer claims critically. It’s one thing for a product to claim durability, useability, and quality, but it’s another thing to put those claims to the test during real-world travel.

After dozens of international flights and six months living out of a suitcase in Europe, I’ve learned a lot about the features, materials, and construction that make a piece of luggage really functional for travel. The recommendations in this list are made based on my own real-world experience and the combined travel experience of the TravelFreak team.

Best Spinner Luggage FAQs