A good-quality hard suitcase should be with you for years or even decades, so it's important to find one that will serve you well. Compared to their soft counterparts, hard shell suitcases are sturdier and offer better protection for your belongings, which is why they're popular options for frequent flyers.
We've assembled this guide to help you find the ideal hard suitcase for your travelling needs, holding all of your essentials while remaining lightweight and easy to move around. We'll compare size, volume, security and more in our search for the 10 best hard suitcases in the UK, so you can pick one that ticks all your boxes and find a new travel companion for life!
Quick List - Top Hard Suitcases
American Tourister
Lightweight and Expandable, Ideal for Those Who Can Never Pack Light
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Choosing a luggage size depends on the type of trips you'll often embark on. If you frequently travel by bus or train, make sure to choose a size that will fit the designated luggage compartment. Size and weight allowances vary by airline so remember to check the guidelines when you book a flight.
Also consider whether you want the option to take your case as a carry-on. Cabin-size bags generally need to be 55 x 40 x 20 cm or under. But again, this differs from airline to airline so do check before you buy. When shopping for larger luggage, consider how its size will impact your journey. If you're travelling to the airport by car, bus or train, how easily will it fit? Will you be able to manoeuvre it through crowds?
Looking for something bigger? We've ranked the best large suitcases too.
Looking up the volume (in litres) alongside the dimensions will also be helpful when deciding on the suitcase size that fits your travelling needs. Here is a guide to which capacities, on average, suit which trip lengths:
Finding out the weight of the suitcase is particularly important if you're travelling by air. Because as we know, airlines impose weight limits for check-in luggage and these days, cabin bags too. Excess baggage fees are famously extortionate so before you set off, make sure that it is within the relevant weight limit. If you fly often, we suggest investing in luggage scales.
The lighter your suitcase is when it is empty, the more you can pack! Therefore, if you're someone who struggles to pack light, go for a lightweight hard suitcase that weighs 2-3 kg when empty. Anything more than that will also be difficult to lift and manoeuvre, especially once it's fully loaded.
A suitcase with multiple compartments, pockets, and straps can help you to better organise your packing. Most hard cases these days have at least two main compartments. But if want to stay truly organised, search for additional pockets such as a sleeve for your laptop or to keep important documents crease-free.
Got a lot of beauty items, accessories or gadgets to pack? The more pockets you have, the better! Moreover, check if the suitcase comes with luggage straps or zippers to keep everything secured in place, even after being transported and tossed around.
For those who want to get seriously organised, check out these packing cubes.
Fortunately for your arms and back, almost all hard suitcases these days have either two or four wheels for easy mobility. Two-wheelers are easier to pull behind you while walking so if you're ever in a rush, your bag will be able to keep up. They're also better for use across all types of terrain.
In addition to checking the number of wheels, find out the type to see how convenient and reliable your suitcase will be to travel with. We recommend searching for suitcases with four double wheels as they offer excellent stability. Plus, you have both the option of pulling and rolling them. 360-degree spinner wheels can turn in any direction, so your bag can smoothly glide anywhere you want it to.
Most suitcases today come with a lock, usually in the form of a combination system. This is much easier than having to buy a separate padlock and risk losing the key, so look out for these if you want to keep your belongings extra safe.
You may also encounter the term TSA-approved, which stands for the Transport Security Administration. A TSA-approved lock meets strict security requirements and can be opened and re-locked by TSA screeners using special tools. So if the authorities wish to inspect your luggage, you won't end up with a broken lock or be rushed to the luggage department prior to your flight.
If you're buying a bag without a lock, browse our best TSA-Approved luggage locks.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Samsonite S'Cure|Large | ![]() | A Robust Yet Lightweight Hard Shell Suitcase of Exceptional Quality | |
2 | American Tourister Bon Air |Large | ![]() | Durable Yet Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for a 1-2 Week Trip | |
3 | Tripp Holiday 6 4-Wheel Suitcase|Medium | ![]() | A Pretty, Compact and Quiet Case With a 5-Year Guarantee | |
4 | American Tourister Sunside|Large | ![]() | Lightweight and Expandable, Ideal for Those Who Can Never Pack Light | |
5 | Suitline Expandable Cabin Trolley|Pilot | ![]() | A Cabin-Sized Essential for Business Trips and Weekend Getaways | |
6 | Aerolite Classic Vintage Hard Shell Suitcase|Cabin | ![]() | Vintage Design Meets Modern Features and Craftsmanship | |
7 | Featherstone 4-Wheel Hard Suitcase|Medium | ![]() | An Affordable Yet Durable Pick From Argos | |
8 | Samsonite Magnum Eco Spinner | ![]() | Solid, Secure and Stunning, Made With Recycled Materials | |
9 | Cabin Max Anode Cabin Suitcase | ![]() | Ultra-Lightweight and Versatile for Those Who Are Always on the Go | |
10 | Rimowa Original Cabin Spinner Luggage | ![]() | A Luxury Buy Crafted With Aluminium for Maximum Robustness and Longevity |
Taking our no. 1 spot for a robust yet lightweight luggage with exceptional quality and immaculate workmanship is the Samsonite S'Cure. Samsonite have decades of experience and expertise when it comes to all things bags, briefcases, and luggage, so investing in this guarantees a case that lasts and lasts.
Everything about this bag is well thought-out, from the revolutionary material to the sleek design, to the smooth 4-wheel manoeuvrability and TSA-approved security system. There are five sizes available, ranging from S to XL, and a variety of vibrant colours to choose from so you can easily spot your luggage in the crowd.
At 91 litres, the Bon Air large suitcase by American Tourister is a great travel companion for your next 1-2 week getaway. Multiple pockets and straps keep your belongings in place even after being tossed around by baggage handlers, making this case ideal for long-haul trips.
Although the hard outer shell is durable enough to withstand any knocks, the suitcase is still light and portable, weighing just 3.4 kg when empty. The four double 360° spinner wheels make it easy and smooth to roll in any direction, and like all of the brand's cases, it looks smart too.
Tripp's Holiday range of suitcases open right in the middle to two same-sized compartments: one zippered section that can be fastened with packing straps, and another secured with a mesh zipper to help you separate items into categories like shoes or laundry.
As well as looking quite beautiful, they move discreetly on all types of flooring and you can easily switch between two or four wheels. So if you ever have to rush to your destination, your suitcase can keep up! Made from tough, durable and lightweight polypropylene, the cases come with a 5-year guarantee.
Made from polypropylene, the large-sized Sunside by American Tourister is lightweight, very generous in capacity, and expandable too – perfect for those who struggle to pack minimally. The bag opens up to various compartments, dividers, and zippered pockets to organise your items.
The 360-degree rotating, smooth-rolling spinner wheels will help you to get your suitcase where it needs to be without a hitch. Even wobbly cobblestones aren't a match for the sturdy wheels! Equipped with a TSA-friendly lock, you can have peace of mind that your bag will always be secure whenever it's not in sight.
If you frequently travel by plane for business trips or quick getaways, the Suitline Expandable Pilot Trolley has room for everything you need. Aside from two main compartments, there are two special slots where you can safely and neatly store documents, laptops or other important belongings that require quick access.
The rigid outer shell has a modern matte look and is shatterproof and scratch-resistant, so you can count on it for years to come even if you use it regularly. To top it off, there are two elastic straps included to attach it to a larger suitcase if you do want to take it on a longer trip.
Combining vintage design and modern craftsmanship, this classic retro suitcase from Aerolite is a must-have for those who like to travel in style. Built to be compatible with a long list of major international airlines, you can take it anywhere around the world without a worry.
360-degree mobility is made possible by the case's four twin-spinner wheels, which roll steadily and quietly. The interior has a main compartment, zipped divider, and special document pocket that is protected by a hard-wearing outer shell. It doesn't have a built-in lock, so you'll need to buy a padlock if you want to secure it.
Featherstone's 4-Wheel suitcase is our pick for an affordable and durable option that even comes with a 5-year guarantee. It sits atop four rubberised 360-degree swivel wheels that give it a smooth glide in every direction. Storage-wise, there is one divider and a large pocket, with a pair of straps to hold your items in place.
At 3.3 kg for the medium-sized bag, it's pretty lightweight, giving you lots of room to pack more things. The retractable handle has three height settings, so you'll be sure to find one that is comfortable. However, as reflected by the low price, the workmanship isn't flawless, and there is also no built-in lock.
Another great pick from Samsonite is the Magnum Eco Spinner, which features a hard but flexible outer shell to absorb any impact without making a dent. The entire range is made from post-consumer recycled waste, but it doesn't sacrifice comfort or quality.
Durable dual wheels similar to that of an office chair help it move easily in any direction. Organisation with this suitcase will also be a dream, as it has several zippered compartments that can be detached and washed to keep clean. Unfortunately, according to some reviews, the suitcase is prone to scratches after some time. It's also costly for a cabin-sized case.
For the jetsetter who wants to breeze past the crowds and just get to where they need to be, Cabin Max's Anode suitcase is your perfect ally. At 2.2 kg, it's the lightest suitcase in our ranking, so you'll have plenty of room for all your essentials. And it'll still be easy to handle when it's packed to the brim.
Two main compartments and a zip pocket allow for quick organisation. The bag itself is slim and is designed to fit in most European and international airlines. Meanwhile, the contents are protected in the rigid, waterproof, and scratch-proof outer shell. The only letdowns are that it has no lock or other size options.
Made in Germany with unparalleled craftsmanship and longevity in mind, Rimowa's iconic Original Cabin suitcases are produced using high-end anodised aluminium. Although the material makes these slightly heavier, if you are looking to invest in a strong suitcase that will last you a lifetime, this is it.
Using a patented Multiwheel® System, it is also stable and easy to steer and has not one but two sets of TSA-approved locks. All of your items will be neatly tucked in place during transit thanks to the flex dividers on both sides, too. On the downside, as far as carry-on suitcases go, this one is certainly way up there in price.
No. 1: Samsonite|S'Cure|Large
No. 2: American Tourister|Bon Air |Large
No. 3: Tripp|Holiday 6 4-Wheel Suitcase|Medium
No. 4: American Tourister|Sunside|Large
No. 5: Suitline|Expandable Cabin Trolley|Pilot
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games