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13 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces That Look Expensive as Hell

Save that money for your trip, bestie!

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Let’s be real: No matter how tight your budget, traveling can be expensive as hell. Between transportation, hotels, meals, excursions, outfits, souvenirs, and more, things can really start to add up. Especially if you have the same sort of “I deserve this!!!” attitude that I do on vacation.

Now, because I would rather spend my money on the fun stuff, I try to save when it comes to the accessories I bring along with me. Having a top-notch, name-brand piece of luggage is a flex at the airport, yes, but it’s really not necessary, trust me. There are plenty of low-cost options out there that (a) are super stylish and (b) you don’t need to dip into your savings account to afford.

You’re also in the right place to find them, because I scoured the internet and tested dozens of bags to bring you, dear reader, a list of the very best affordable luggage on the market. Here’s a sneak peek of some checked suitcases, carry-ons, duffel bags, and more that’ll fit your budget without compromising on quality...

Our top picks for the best affordable luggage in 2024:

Remember: Just because something is less expensive doesn’t mean it’s inherently less valuable. The proof is below, so let’s shop, shall we?

best affordable checked luggage

Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner

30-Inch Hardside Spinner
Now 15% Off

Pros

  • Available in multiple sizes and can be purchased as a set
  • Can expand for 15 percent more packing space
  • Built-in TSA-approved lock

Cons

  • Some shoppers found the zippers to be flimsy

Some days, I really can’t believe that Amazon has it all—including its very own line of affordable luggage. This 30-inch hardside spinner is a popular option on the site, probably because it’s quite the bargain. Reviewers love the textured outer design, which makes it less prone to scratching (which is especially good news for a travel chaos demon like myself). It also features three zippered interior pockets for smaller items, like medications or socks and underwear (chic!).

Dimensions19.49 x 12 x 27.76 inches
Weight11.77 Pounds
Colors4
best affordable travel backpack

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Amazon’s Choice
40L Travel Backpack

Pros

  • Has interior and exterior compression straps
  • Includes padded sleeves for your electronics
  • Comes with a set of packing cubes

Cons

  • Can hurt your shoulders if you overpack

Backpacks are a necessary evil when it comes to travel. Rarely are they sexy, but they’re incredibly useful when trekking across cobblestoned streets or even through crowded airports. This one from Asenlin checks a ton of boxes for me—it has got plenty of organizational pockets, is super durable, and can hold way more than your average backpack. It’s also pretty cute, so it’s got my official stamp of approval.

Dimensions9.5 x 12.5 18.5 inches
Weight2.55 pounds
Colors10
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best affordable duffel bag

HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

Travel Duffel Bag

Pros

  • Made with water-resistant nylon
  • Pockets galore
  • Comes in a wide variety of chic colors

Cons

  • A little thin

Incoming: a stunning and affordable duffel that’ll have your wallet thanking you (I mean, do you see that price?!). This pink cutie is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or to use as a personal item for a long-haul flight. It’s also available in 80 (!) different colors, so you can be sure to find one to match our travel ’fit of choice. Who says style and durability have to cost an arm and a leg?

Dimensions21.7 x 10.6 x 7.1 inches
WeightN/A
Colors75+
7272 Energie Expandable Hardside Carry-On Suitcase
Now 25% Off

Pros

  • Comes with a USB charging port and TSA-approved lock
  • Has a self-repairing zipper

Cons

  • Pricey compared to some other brands

If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable luggage option, you’ve officially found it. Made from durable polycarbonate, this 19-inch hardside carry-on was built to last—yes, even through major turbulence, airport havoc, and allll the unpaved streets in between (hello, Europe). That top-floor Airbnb will be a hell of a lot easier to handle with this bad boy, believe me.

Dimensions13.5 x 8.5 x 22.75 inches
Weight6.59 pounds
Colors5
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Stratum 2.0 Expandable Hardside Luggage
$71AmazonAlso Consider

Pros

  • Can expand by one inch
  • Cute colors galore

Cons

  • Opinions are mixed on the quality of the zipper

American Tourister is one of those brands that’s known for being both affordable and reliable—aka two of the absolute best suitcase qualities. This particular piece of large luggage from the company should be put on your radar ASAP if you’re looking for something durable and expandable. There are so many cute colors to choose from, but my personal faves are Purple Haze and Soft Coral.

Dimensions20.09 x 12.5 x 30.95 inches
Weight14.22 pounds
Colors17
best affordable rolling carry-on

Steve Madden 15-Inch Carry-On Suitcase

15-Inch Carry-On Suitcase

Pros

  • Built-in toiletry bag
  • Fits perfectly under your airline seat

Cons

  • Handle is a little short, per some reviewers

News flash: Steve Madden makes more than just super-cute shoes. They also make incredibly chic and affordable pieces of luggage, and if I’m the first person to break that news to you, then you are so welcome. The main compartment on this carry-on is beyond spacious, and the brown trim makes everything look extra elevated. The U-shaped zipper you see on the front also opens up into a toiletry bag, which means it’s basically two pieces in one—chef’s kiss!

Dimensions15 x 9 x 14 inches
Weight5 pounds
Colors8
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best affordable large duffel

Calpak Stevyn Large Rolling Duffel

Stevyn Large Rolling Duffel
Now 66% Off

Pros

  • Bottom compartment for shoes
  • Spacious as hell

Cons

  • Only two rolling wheels

You’ve definitely seen Calpak on social media before, and they sure know what they’re doing when it comes to travel bags. While I wouldn’t file their entire product line under “affordable,” this duffel falls way below the so-expensive-I’ll-go-into-debt line. It is a gorgeous neutral blue color and can hold a lot, meaning that you can use it on any type of trip. (One reviewer said they managed to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes into this baby!!!) The roller wheels on the bottom make it easy to lug around too, no matter where you’re heading.

Dimensions26 x 14.5 x 13 inches
Weight7.1 pounds
Colors1
Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage
Now 15% Off

Pros

  • Expands up to two inches
  • Fits easily in an overhead compartment

Cons

  • Only two wheels

Although I’m a hardshell girlie till I die, this piece of luggage might (might!) convince me to go soft. It is available in 12 colors, is ultra-light and durable, and even expands two whole inches—meaning that you basically have to shop for souvenirs on your trip, right? Another plus: It’s made from a stain-resistant and water-repellant fabric to combat all the oopsies that are bound to happen during your travels.

Dimensions21 x 14 x 9 inches
Weight5.4 pounds
Colors4
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best affordable neoprene bag

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffel Bag

All-Day Neoprene Duffel Bag

Pros

  • Made from recycled water bottles
  • Padded laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant material

Cons

  • Not as cheap as some other duffels

Nothing says “I’m an expert traveler” quite like a crisp, expensive-looking duffel slung across your arm. And this neoprene beaut from Quince is that girl. Even when you’re jetlagged, the eco-friendly duffel will elevate your airport ’fit to a 10 every time. There are plenty of zippered pockets, the material is water-resistant, and it has adjustable straps, so it’s pretty much perfect in every way.

Dimensions12 x 17.5 x 10 inches
WeightN/A
Colors4
best affordable luggage set

Bagsmart 20-Inch Carry-On Luggage

20-Inch Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • TSA-approved lock on the rollerbag
  • Spinner wheels
  • Comes with a bonus duffel bag

Cons

  • Reviews say the zipper quality is questionable

Bagsmart’s products are probably dominating your TikTok feed—I have their viral toiletry bag in my cart right now—and their luggage definitely deserves to be on your radar. This carry-on is a winner in my book: The two large outer pockets are ideal for quickly accessing things like passports and laptops, and the entire bag can expand up to two inches. The smaller duffel (which comes included!!) is the perfect carry-on companion, and fits under airplane, train, and car seats. So, no matter your mode of transportation, you’ll be good to go.

Dimensions21 x 13.5 x 9 inches
Weight8.08 pounds
Colors8
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best affordable neutral luggage

Coolife Spinner Trolley Carry-On

Spinner Trolley Carry-On

Pros

  • Zippered front pocket
  • Two-year warranty
  • Two TSA-approved locks

Cons

  • Reviews mention zipper issues

There’s just something about a white suitcase that screams “chic traveler with zero fear of dirt,” which is exactly who I aspire to be. If you’re with me, this Coolife carry-on was made for you, and reviewers rave that it’s super durable in addition to looking good. If you’re looking for a set, you’re in luck: There’s a 28-inch version you can cop as well, if that tickles your travel fancy.

Dimensions14 x 9.5 x 21 inches
Weight7 pounds
Colors4
Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage

Pros

  • Fully-lined interior pockets
  • Made of resilient polycarbonate

Cons

  • Not the cheapest

This bag has more than 6,000 five-star reviews and for good reason. It’s made of 100 percent polycarbonate, an extremely resilient material that’s hard to crack or break, which is great news for my clumsy gals. It has two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets plus a zippered divider to secure all of your fabulous, well-planned outfits. Plus, it’s a great value for the price and comes in lots of colors.

Dimensions25 x 17.5 x 11.5 inches
Weight10.2 pounds
Colors11
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best roomy affordable luggage

LEVEL8 20-Inch Carry-On Luggage

20-Inch Carry-On Luggage
Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Silent spinner wheels
  • Spacious interior
  • Adjustable handle

Cons

  • Some reviews complain about interior stitching

If my suitcase isn’t giving robot, I don’t want it. Kidding, but on the real, this futuristic luggage from LEVEL8 comes equipped with eight super-quiet spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, two roomy compartments, and bumper feet to protect the outer shell. I’ll take one in every color, thanks.

Dimensions14.5 x 9.2 x 21.5 inches
Weight7.7 pounds
Colors6

What’s better—hard or soft luggage?

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To be totally honest, the debate of hard versus soft luggage is kind of pointless—all that matters is your personal preference! Softside luggage is easier to maneuver into smaller spaces and less vulnerable to scratches, but hardside luggage really protects your stuff.

Personally, I love hard luggage when I’m traveling somewhere I need to get to by plane—I’d rather have all my belongings encased in something I know will protect them from turbulence and being thrown around by airline employees. But for road trips and other similar excursions, I’d rather choose a soft piece of luggage—that way I can squish it in a trunk or little nooks sans problems. Softside suitcases also tend to have outer pockets, which are key for storing things you’ll need to grab in a pinch.

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Why trust Cosmo?

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Our lifestyle team includes lifestyle director Rachel Torgerson, lifestyle editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and associate editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively, we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you.

As you may know, we spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews for highly-sought-after items, so that we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves.

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