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Looking for the best luggage sets that strike a perfect balance between style and durability? Our guide takes an in-depth look at eight of the top luggage sets on the market today. With one of these sets, you’ll be able to travel with style, in confidence, to destinations far and wide.
Best Luggage Sets
Top Pick
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Travelpro is highly regarded for its durable and stylish luggage by many professionals in the travel industry. The Maxlite 5 Lightweight 3-piece set scores highly across the board, and it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for well-designed, stylish, and durable luggage.
Quick Picks
Don’t have time to read through the article? Then take a look at the quick picks, which will get you to the best luggage sets for travel in a flash, depending on your specific needs.
| Best Overall Luggage Set | Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight 3-Piece Set |
| Best Luggage Set for Nomads or Long-Term Travel | Away Set of Two |
| Best Budget (Basic) Luggage Set | AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Suitcase Luggage with TSA Lock and Wheels |
| Best Hardside Luggage Set | Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS |
| Best Kids Luggage Set | American Tourister Disney Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels |
| Best Spinner Wheels Luggage Set | Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase PC+ABS 3 Piece Set with TSA Lock Spinner |
| Cute Luggage Set on a Budget | Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Softside Spinner Suitcase Set Collection |
| Best Carry On Luggage Set | Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5, 2-Piece Set (Soft Tote and 21-Inch Spinner) |
Luggage Set Considerations
Softside vs Hardside
One of the most important considerations for luggage sets is the material the luggage is made from, and that commonly falls into either softside or hardside.
Softside luggage is generally fabric based, such as nylon or polyester. While not always lighter than some harder materials, softside luggage, because the fabric is more versatile, allows you to pack more luggage into a tighter space.
It itself is also easier to pack into more challenging spaces, such as an overhead locker, as fabric can shift and mold much better to a space than a hard shell. Because of this, it is far less likely to dent or scratch, although that doesn’t mean it won’t tear or rip.
Hardside luggage is usually made from a sturdier material, such as plastic, polycarbonate, or aluminum. Generally, hardside luggage is seen as more durable and can better protect your luggage from bumps and drops, depending on the material.
However, because of this, the outer shell and shape of the luggage is rigid, so it cannot be stuffed or squeezed into smaller spaces. Its rigidity also leaves it prone to dents or scratches, while materials such as aluminum may be more protective, but are heavier and often more expensive.
Frequency of Use and Types of Trips
While the idea of an all-matching luggage set may sound great, think carefully about the type of travel you do and whether all pieces of luggage in the set will get frequent use.
For example, if you are a frequent business traveler, you may find you often only travel with a carry-on and, at most, an additional smaller suitcase.
Even though a larger heavy duty suitcase may look good in your closet or storage, if you aren’t going to get the use from it you may be better off purchasing individual pieces of luggage separately.
Size of Luggage
Luggage sets generally come as a set of three, but sometimes more. Be sure to study the capacity carefully, to understand how much space you have to work with.
If you only plan to travel light for weekend trips, you’re not going to need a large capacity, heavy duty suitcase. Or, if you do a lot of business travel, you’re going to want the smaller, carry-on luggage of your three-piece set to still have enough room to pack for an overnight or weekend trip.
Types of Handles
Nearly all types of larger luggage will adopt the widely used telescopic handle. Nearly all heavy luggage will use a double bar, which allows for a firmer pull but less of a turning circle, while smaller suitcases and carry-on luggage may use a single bar, which allows for a more agile but less balanced pull.
However, when it comes to your smaller luggage, sets will differ. Some will have bags with wheels and a handle, while others may use a skid rail for mobility or a shoulder strap or handle, to be carried and not pulled.
Think about the types of travel you do, and whether you prefer wheeled luggage, even for your carry-on, when looking at a luggage set.
Types of Wheels
Most wheeled luggage will use either a fixed wheel or spinner wheel design. Fixed wheels are often fixed to the underside of the luggage as a pair, and while sturdier and more protected by the design, give you less of a range of motion.
Spinner wheels are attached to all four corners of the underside of the luggage. The biggest advantage is that they give you a full 360 range of motion, making them easy to maneuver and push in an upright position.
However, spinner wheels are fully exposed and are more likely to be knocked or damaged when your luggage is in transit.
When it comes to your smaller, carry-on luggage, you can find both spinner and fixed wheel designs. You will also see skid rail designs, where the luggage can simply be dragged by a telescopic handle and slide on the rails, which is sturdier but far less agile.
Best Luggage Set Picks
1 – Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight 3-piece Set Expandable Softside Luggage
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Our Pick for Best Overall Luggage Set
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight 3-piece Set Review
What we have here is a set of three suitcases made out of high-quality polyester with DuraGuard coating. This coating provides great resistance to water and stains.
The bag dimensions are 21’’ x 14’’ x 9’’ (53 x 35.5 x 23 cm) for the smallest one, 25’’ x 18’’ x 11’’ (63.5 x 45.5 x 28 cm) for the middle one, and 31’’ x 21’’ x 13’’ (78.5 x 53 x 33 cm). The smallest one will easily qualify as a carry-on according to the specs of most airlines, and the larger two bags can act as checked bags depending on how much luggage you need for your trip.
All of them have telescopic handles with two different stops and 360-degree spinner wheels. If you find that your bag is slightly over-packed, all three have tapered expansion capability of up to 2’’ (5 cm).
On the inside, you’ll find two zipper-closed mesh pockets that can be quite useful for quickly accessing some items without digging through a ton of items, as well as straps for keeping your items in place even on a bumpy ride.
If you are picky regarding the look of your suitcases, you’ll be happy to hear that there are eight different color options to choose from in this set.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Pros
- Versatility. The set is very well designed, and the design elements make it versatile enough for nearly any occasion, travel method, and type of luggage.
- Manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer places a lot of trust in this set. They go as far as to offer limited lifetime coverage and a trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airlines or other common carriers for one year (check warranty terms).
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Cons
- Side mesh pocket accessibility. There are no major shortcomings with this set. The only apparent issue is that the mesh pocket on the side of the main compartment may be a bit hard to access or awkward to use if you fill the said main compartment all the way with other items.
2 – Away Set of Two
Our Pick for Best Luggage Set for Nomads & Long-Term Travel
Away Set of Two Review
This two-piece set is made out of polycarbonate, meaning that the suitcases have a hard shell, with some leather details that don’t do much functionally.
The set consists of a 55 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm (22’’ x 14’’ x 9’’)/ 3.7 kg (8.2 lbs) carry-on and a larger checked suitcase.
When you’re not using the suitcases, the carry-on can be neatly packed into the larger suitcase.
The bag has quality zippers that can be secured with a TSA-approved combination lock, so you don’t have to look for a separate approved lock if you want to secure your luggage.
Both suitcases have four 360-degree spinner wheels and telescopic handles that will make moving them around a breeze. There is also an alternative handle on each bag for situations where you can’t use the wheels.
On the inside, you’ll find the main compartment that can be separated into two parts and a pair of straps for securing your luggage.
Just like with the previous set on the list, there are plenty of colors from which to choose, and you’ll certainly be able to find something for yourself.
Away Set of Two Pros
- Amazing extras. The carry-on also has an optional ejectable battery that can recharge your phone up to four times. The suitcases come with a hidden laundry bag that can easily be unrolled when you need to use it to store dirty clothes so you don’t need to carry a separate bag with you.
- Strong outside shell. The polycarbonate shell surrounding the suitcases is hard and durable enough to provide excellent protection for your items. With these bags, there’s next to zero chance that anything that hits your bag can damage the items inside.
- Return policy. If you decide that the set isn’t for you after a trip, you can return it anytime within the first 100 days from the day of purchase (check the return policy).
Away Set of Two Cons
- The polycarbonate shell will get scratched. If you pay much attention to how your suitcase looks on the outside, then this might be a problem for you. With the way suitcases are handled at airports, it is all but certain that the polycarbonate shell will get scratched and/or damaged over time.
- Price. This set of two suitcases will cost you around 450-500 USD. Given the quality, design, and features of the set, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a quality and durable set. If you’re on a budget though, there are other, cheaper options on the list.
3 – AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Suitcase Luggage with TSA Lock and Wheels
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Our Pick for Best Basic / Budget Luggage Set
This is a two-piece set with a large suitcase and a carry-on, both made out of polyester.
The dimensions of the carry-on are 15.7’’ x 9’’ x 23.2’’ (40 x 23 x 59 cm), and it weighs 8.75 lbs (3.9 kilos). The dimensions of the large suitcase are 20.6’’ x 12.2’’ x 32.2’’ (52.5 x 31 x 82 cm), and it weighs 10.43 lbs (4.7 kilos).
Both suitcases have 360-degree spinner wheels and telescopic handles for easily moving them around, along with regular handles for situations where wheels can’t be used.
We’ve already mentioned TSA-approved combination locks, and these suitcases also have them, eliminating the need for buying a separate lock. When it comes to the main compartment, you’ll find several mesh pockets inside as well as a pair of straps for securing your items. Finally, there are six different color options to choose from, so you should be able to find something for yourself.
AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Pros
- Good protection. The suitcases offer several layers of protection, including corner guards and crash protection near the wheels. This will ensure that your suitcases are well protected against impact.
- Stability. Many suitcases with four spinner wheels can be tipped over relatively easily that can be both annoying and present a danger to the items you have inside. These suitcases have special stabilizing setups that make tipping them over much more difficult.
AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Cons
- Internal pocket setup. Inside, you will find two pockets on top of another, larger pocket. This kind of setup almost always means that one of the two layers will not be used to its full capacity and can make accessing the individual pockets difficult.
- Strap positions. The two straps found inside are positioned very close to the top and the bottom of the bag, which means that there is a large gap between them and limits their usefulness.
4 – Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS
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Our Pick for Best Hardside Luggage Set
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS Review
This set comes to us from Samsonite, a world-famous luggage manufacturer. It features one carry-on and two larger suitcases, all made out of polycarbonate.
The hard outer shell is specially designed to absorb impact and pop back into shape afterward.
The carry-on measures 20’’ x 13.5’’ x 9’’ (50 x 34 x 23 cm) and weighs 6.7 lbs (3 kg). The medium suitcase measures 24’’ x 16.5’’ x 11’’ (61 x 42 x 28 cm) and weighs 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg). Finally, the large suitcase measures 28’’ x 19’’ x 12’ (71 x 48 x 30.5 cm) and weighs 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg).
The set was designed so that the suitcases would be as light as possible without sacrificing structural integrity, and the result is a set that is very light in terms of hard-shell suitcases.
All three suitcases have telescopic handles and 360-degree spinner wheels for easy mobility. The two larger suitcases can extend by an additional 1.5’’ (4 cm) to provide the last bit of space you need to pack your items.
The bag can be secured with a TSA-approved combination lock similar to the ones we already mentioned. Inside, you will find the main compartment with several neatly arranged mesh pockets for smaller items and fully-lined walls.
Instead of the two straps featured on most of the suitcases so far, these ones have one cross-strap that will usually do a much better job of securing your items than two separate straps.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS Pros
- Warranty. The bags in this set come with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (check warranty terms).
- Finish. All the bags feature a brush pattern finish that will do a great job of hiding any scratches once they occur, and there are plenty of colors to choose from.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS Cons
- Handle only on the side. Most of the bags so far had two regular handles alongside the telescopic one. Unfortunately, these bags have only one extra handle, and the handle is located on the side of the bag, which can make the bag awkward to lift in some situations.
5 – American Tourister Disney Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
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Our Pick for Best Kids Luggage Set
American Tourister Disney Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels Review
This two-piece Disney-themed set consists of a carry-on and a large suitcase that can act as a checked bag.
The carry-on measures at 21.0″ x 14.75″ x 9.5″ (53.5 x 37.5 x 24 cm) and weighs 6.8 lbs (3 kg), while the large suitcase measures at 28.0″ x 19.75″ x 12.0″ (71 x 50 x 30.5 cm) and weighs 5.25 kg.
If you need a bit of extra space, you can use a special zipper to extend the bag by about two inches. The usual telescopic handles and 360-degree spinners are also present on these bags, and both have two additional handles – one on the top and one on the side.
The main compartment has a cross strap similar to the one found in the previous set on this list. There are three internal pockets, one of which is found on the side. The set is designed for kids and themed around the iconic Disney characters, with a total of six different patterns to choose from.
American Tourister Disney Softside Pros
- Warranty. Just like the previous set on this list, this one also comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (check warranty terms).
American Tourister Disney Softside Cons
- Internal side pocket accessibility. The position of the internal side pocket is almost identical to that found in the first set on this list. They share the problem of the said pocket being a bit hard to access or awkward to use if you fill the main compartment all the way with other items
6 – Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase
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Our Pick for Best Spinner Wheel Luggage Set
Coolife Luggage Review
This three-piece set of hard-shell suitcases is made out of a mix of two types of plastic.
The suitcases in the set measure at 22’’ x 9’’ x 15’’ (56 x 23 x 38 cm), 27’’ x 11’’ x 17’’ (68.5 x 28 x 43 cm), and 30.5’’ x 12’’ x 19.5 (77.5 x 30.5 x 49.5 cm). These dimensions qualify the smallest one to be a carry-on, while the other two will have to be checked in.
We’ve already had some suitcases that can be expanded by a few inches if needed. That is partially true for this set as well because only the largest suitcase has this option which is somewhat unusual.
The weight of the suitcases is 6 lbs (2.7 kg), 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg), and 9.7lbs (4.4 kg), respectively. They are quite light as far as hard-shell suitcases are concerned.
Mobility features consist of the standard telescopic handle, 360-degree spinner wheels, and two regular handles for lifting the suitcases when needed. The inner compartment is fully lined, and it has a cross strap for securing your items. There are five different color options to choose from, and the finish of this set is similar to the finish of the Samsonite set already covered on this list (it does a great job at making any scratches less noticeable).
Coolife Luggage Pros
- Beveled edges. In order to minimize impact damage, the edges of all the suitcases in this set are beveled. This helps distribute the force of an impact on the edge more evenly across the bag which leads to a decreased likelihood of anything inside being damaged.
- Warranty. The set comes with a two-year worldwide warranty (check warranty terms).
Coolife Luggage Cons
- Inner pocket arrangement. The internal pocket setup in these bags is similar to that in the AmazonBasics set previously discussed (one pocket is on top of another). It is very hard to maximize the capacity of both pockets in this situation, and one will usually have to “sacrifice” some of its capacity.
7 – Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Softside Spinner Suitcase Set Collection
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Our Pick for Cute Luggage Set on a Budget
Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Review
This three-piece set from the world-famous brand Steve Madden contains an underseat bag, a carry-on, and a large suitcase. As is usually the case with this brand, the bags are stylishly designed, and there’s a lot to like visually.
The underseat bag dimensions are 15’’ x 9’’ x 14’’ (38 x 23 x 35.5 cm), and it weighs 5 lbs (2.25 kg).
The carry-on bag dimensions are 21.5’’ x 14’’ x 9’’ (54.5 x 35.5 x 23 cm) and it weighs 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg).
Finally, the large suitcase dimensions are 29.5’’ x 18.2’’ x 12.8’’ (75 x 46 x 32.5 cm) and it weighs 10.1 lbs (4.5 kg).
The carry-on and the large suitcase have standard telescopic handles and 360-degree spinner wheels, while the underseat bag has regular wheels and a differently shaped telescopic handle (a single metal tube instead of two parallel ones connected by a handle).
If you want to find the design that’s just right for you, you’ll be happy to hear that there are eight different color options to choose from.
Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Pros
- Great balance. The carry-on and the large suitcase have really wide bases, which makes it very difficult for them to flip over when standing upright.
- Warranty. The bags in this set are covered with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (check warranty terms).
Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Cons
- No strap for the underseat bag. You’ll have to carry the underseat bag on its own because it has no straps that can be used to attach it to a bigger bag.
- Underseat bag’s telescopic handle. With the already described unique shape of the telescopic handle, it may be a bit awkward to handle the bag around corners.
8 – Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5, 2-Piece Set (Soft Tote and 21-Inch Spinner)
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Our Pick for Best Carry On Luggage Set
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Review
This is a rather unique two-piece set for our list. It consists of a tote bag and a suitcase, both made out of high-quality polyester with the already mentioned DuraGuard coating.
The dimensions of the suitcase are 23’’ x 14.5’’ x 9’’ (58.5 x 37 x 23 cm), which makes it perfect for use as a carry-on. It weighs around 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg).
The tote bag dimensions are 18″ x 11″ x 8″ (45.8 x 28 x 20.5 cm), and it is very light at just 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg).
The carry-on has the standard configuration of 360-degree spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, and two regular handles. The inner compartment has two straps for securing your items and two mesh pockets, one of which is found on the side of the inner wall.
The tote bag has a handle and a shoulder strap for carrying. There are plenty of compartments in the bag, and it is likely going to fit more items than you think.
The set comes with a limited lifetime warranty (check the warranty), and there are four different color options to choose from.
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Pros
- Tote bag attachable strap. Besides the already mentioned carrying methods, the tote bag can be attached to the telescopic handle of the carry-on with a special strap on the back for easier carrying.
- Easy to clean. The DuraGuard coating is very resistant to stains, and it can be cleaned with just a brush in most cases.
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Cons
- Internal side pocket accessibility. We’ve mentioned this shortcoming in several places on this list – the inner side pocket can be difficult to access if you’re dealing with a full bag.
- The set lacks a large suitcase. As good as the two bags in the set are, if you want to travel with more than a carry-on and a tote, this is not the set for you. You should take a look at some of the other sets on the list that include a large suitcase to be used as a checked bag.
Best Luggage Sets Summary
Sometimes, we simply need a small carry-on. Other times, we need a range of quality luggage for long holidays and family trips.
Don’t compromise on style for durability or vice versa. A quality luggage set allows you to have all bases covered, no matter how small or big your trip may be. Then, you can kiss goodbye to those last-minute dashes to the home store if the luggage you pull out for your trip isn’t the right size or if you need extra space.
One final time, here are, in our opinion, the eight best luggage sets we took an in-depth look at. Why only choose one or two of space, style, and durability, when you can have all three in one set?
| Best Overall Luggage Set | Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight 3-Piece Set |
| Best Luggage Set for Nomads or Long-Term Travel | Away Set of Two |
| Best Budget (Basic) Luggage Set | AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Suitcase Luggage with TSA Lock and Wheels |
| Best Hardside Luggage Set | Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS |
| Best Kids Luggage Set | American Tourister Disney Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels |
| Best Spinner Wheels Luggage Set | Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase PC+ABS 3 Piece Set with TSA Lock Spinner |
| Cute Luggage Set on a Budget | Steve Madden Luggage 3 Piece Softside Spinner Suitcase Set Collection |
| Best Carry On Luggage Set | Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5, 2-Piece Set (Soft Tote and 21-Inch Spinner) |
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