Travel in Style—And on a Budget—With These Value-Packed Luggage Sets

Traveling with matching luggage is practically a requirement for jet-setters and influencers. But in addition to looking pulled together as you gliding through the airport, luggage sets are also a smart choice to stretch your travel gear budget. With the exception of a few premium and ultra-luxe brands that sell pieces individually, most sell sets of rolling suitcases and some add in rolling duffle bags and accessories like packing cubes.

Whether you're searching for a five-piece set for an upcoming family vacation or want to treat yourself to a two-piece upgrade from the beat-up bags in your closet, we've handpicked a selection of our favorite luggage sets that deliver on style and value. Read on for our recommendations, along with an expert guide on what to consider before buying.

In the market for more excellent luggage and accessories? Check out our stories on the best rolling duffel bags, packing cubes, and travel accessories.

The Best Luggage Sets

What to Consider

Most luggage sets come with two or three pieces, with a few four- and five-piece sets out there. Beyond that—and the value luggage sets offer—considerations are the same as buying single pieces, namely hardshell versus soft-shell, size and weight, special features, and, of course, style.

Size and Weight

The very first thing to do is to check carry-on and checked bag size and weight requirements—along with baggage fees—of the airlines you fly most. While there are some standards across the board, the safest bet is to assume that every carrier has different rules. And these days, if you have a low-priced, budget airline ticket, you may not be allowed to bring a roller suitcase in the cabin at all.

Typically, sets include one carry-on rolling suitcase and one or more medium or large checked bags. Carry-on luggage ranges from roughly 19 to 22 inches on the tallest side. Keep in mind that major domestic airlines generally allow carry-on bags no larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches, whereas international airlines often cap cabin bags at 20 inches or less. Medium checked bags are 24 to 26 inches tall on average and large bags range from 28 to 30 inches tall. Note that luggage brands often list suitcase dimensions without wheels, so make sure to read the fine print.

There's more of a range for bag weight, which somewhat depends on the exterior material. As a rule of thumb, an empty carry-on that's six pounds or less is considered lightweight. The same holds true for medium bags that are eight pounds and under and large bags at 10 pounds or less.

Hardshell Versus Soft-Sided

There are die-hard fans in both camps, and pros and cons for each style. Most hardshell roller suitcases are made of polycarbonate and soft-shell luggage is made of ballistic nylon.

While there are always exceptions, hardshell roller bags are often more durable and lightweight but usually lack outer pockets, whereas soft-sided luggage typically includes at least one exterior pocket but the fabric fray over time. (In theory, soft-sided luggage is also more susceptible to being accidentally cut open during transportation, but the ones we recommend are made with thick, durable materials.) There are expandable options for both types. Keep in mind that no luggage is completely scratch- or tear-resistant.

Spinner Versus Fixed Wheels

The scales have tipped in favor of 360-degree spinner wheels, though there are still some bags with inline skate wheels on the market. Options with double spinner wheels are preferable for better stability and they're often easier to maneuver. The upgrade to look for is a braking system, a feature that hasn't yet trickled down from high-end brands.

Warranty

Factor in the warranty when buying any suitcase, especially since so many unexpected things can happen to luggage once it's out of your hands. Some brands offer a trial period with a money-back guarantee. Otherwise, you may want to consider brands with either a 10-year or lifetime limited warranty.

How We Selected

As a former travel editor, I have deep familiarity with luggage brands and I've either tested or owned options similar to the ones we recommend. The selection of luggage sets includes hardshell and soft-sided collections from top brands including Samsonite, American Tourister, Travelpro and Delsey, and we aimed to include options on both ends of the price spectrum, from three-piece sets for $200 or less to multi-piece sets that run $500 and up.

We compared features—wheel type, handles, locks, organizational pockets, and warranty, to name a few—plus dug deep into specs for things like size, weight, and expansion. Our selection includes hardshell and soft-sided carry-on and checked luggage from top brands, and every set we cover has high customer ratings.

We let quality of materials and value-added features drive our choices, with picks that feature everything from TSA-approved locks and telescoping handles to mesh pockets and compression straps.