Is Samsonite Still the Best Luggage Brand in 2026?

  • By Charlotte Orme

If you're spending a decent amount on a suitcase, brand reputation only gets you so far.

You want to know what happens when you actually travel with it.

 

Does it roll smoothly through a packed airport? Is it light enough to lift into an overhead locker? Can the shell cope with being handed over at check-in? And will you still want to use it after dozens of trips?

 

Those are much more useful questions than asking which logo looks best on the baggage carousel.

Samsonite had a particularly good answer to them in 2025. The brand was named Best Luggage Brand in the World at the Business Traveller Awards, beating Rimowa, TUMI, Briggs & Riley and Delsey.

 

So, one year on, there's a more interesting question to ask.

 

Is Samsonite still one of the best luggage brands to buy in 2026?

 

We think there's a strong case for it. But an award alone isn't enough.

Let's look at why Samsonite won, what its luggage does well and which ranges are worth considering for the way you travel.

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TL;DR

  • Samsonite was named Best Luggage Brand in the World at the 2025 Business Traveller Awards.
  • The award followed more than a century of Samsonite making luggage, with the brand celebrating 115 years in 2025.
  • Its Paralux collection also picked up major Red Dot recognition for design, materials, organisation and repairability.
  • Samsonite's biggest strengths in 2026 remain its choice of luggage, practical design and focus on durability.
  • C-Lite is a strong choice if low weight matters, while Proxis suits travellers looking for a more premium hardshell case.
  • Paralux puts packing organisation and more responsible materials at the centre of the design.
  • Samsonite won't be the perfect choice for every traveller, so your trip, budget and packing habits should ultimately decide.
  • Our verdict? Samsonite still has a very strong case for being one of the best luggage brands to buy in 2026.

Table of Contents

  • 1

    Is Samsonite Still the Best Luggage Brand in 2026?

  • 2

    Why Was Samsonite Named the Best Luggage Brand in the World?

  • 3

    What Makes Samsonite Luggage So Popular?

  • 4

    Is Samsonite Luggage Good Quality?

  • 5

    What Does Paralux Tell Us About the Future of Samsonite?

  • 6

    Which Samsonite Range Is Best for You?

  • 7

    Is Samsonite Worth the Money in 2026?

  • 8

    Final Verdict: What You Really Want to Know

  • 9

    FAQ's

Is Samsonite Still the Best Luggage Brand in 2026?

If you're spending a decent amount on a suitcase, brand reputation only gets you so far.

You want to know what happens when you actually travel with it.

Does it roll smoothly through a packed airport? Is it light enough to lift into an overhead locker? Can the shell cope with being handed over at check-in? And will you still want to use it after dozens of trips?

Those are much more useful questions than asking which logo looks best on the baggage carousel.

Samsonite had a particularly good answer to them in 2025. The brand was named Best Luggage Brand in the World at the Business Traveller Awards, beating Rimowa, TUMI, Briggs & Riley and Delsey.

So, one year on, there's a more interesting question to ask.

Is Samsonite still one of the best luggage brands to buy in 2026?

We think there's a strong case for it. But an award alone isn't enough.

Let's look at why Samsonite won, what its luggage does well and which ranges are worth considering for the way you travel.

Title

Why Was Samsonite Named the Best Luggage Brand in the World?

Samsonite's 2025 Business Traveller win wasn't a small industry badge.

More than 95,000 individual votes were cast across the Business Traveller Awards, with expert judges also evaluating public voting for its Best in the World categories.

Samsonite finished first for luggage, ahead of Rimowa in second place, TUMI in third and Briggs & Riley in fourth.

That's an interesting result because these brands approach premium luggage differently.

Samsonite's strength is choice. It makes luggage for everything from short cabin-only trips to long-haul holidays, business travel and more adventurous journeys.

And while Samsonite has plenty of heritage behind it, the 2025 result wasn't simply rewarding a famous name.

That same year saw the launch of Paralux, a collection that put recycled materials, packing organisation and repairability much closer to the centre of the Samsonite story.

Case insight

A famous luggage name might get your attention, but it's the small things that usually decide whether you love a case after five trips. Wheels that stay smooth, a handle that feels solid and an interior you can organise properly matter far more when you're actually travelling.
Title

What Makes Samsonite Luggage So Popular?

Samsonite has been making luggage since 1910.

That doesn't automatically make every Samsonite suitcase the right choice, but more than a century of luggage design gives the brand a lot of experience in understanding how people travel.

One of Samsonite's biggest advantages is that there isn't really one type of "Samsonite traveller".

Flying hand luggage only for a European weekend?

There's a Samsonite for that.

Checking in for a two-week summer holiday?

There are larger spinners designed for that too.

Travelling regularly for work?

You can look towards lighter, premium ranges where easy movement and organisation matter more.

Going somewhere where a traditional hard case feels too formal or restrictive?

Ranges such as Ecodiver take a softer, more flexible approach.

That variety is one reason Samsonite continues to work for such a broad mix of travellers.
Title

Is Samsonite Luggage Good Quality?

This is probably the more useful question than asking whether Samsonite is "the best".

And broadly, yes. Quality is one of the main reasons Samsonite has built its reputation.

But quality doesn't mean every suitcase needs to feel heavy or indestructible.

Modern luggage design is about balancing strength with weight.

Take Samsonite C-Lite. Its appeal is keeping weight down while still giving frequent travellers the reassurance of a hardshell case.

Then there's Samsonite Proxis, which takes a more premium approach to hardshell luggage and is designed for travellers who expect their case to see plenty of use.

The important thing is choosing the right range rather than buying Samsonite purely because the name is familiar.

Case insight: Weight is one of the first specifications we'd check when comparing two similar cases. An extra kilo might not sound dramatic at home. When you're trying to stay inside an airline allowance or lifting your case onto a train, you notice it very quickly.

Title

What Does Paralux Tell Us About the Future of Samsonite?

This is where the original 2025 awards story becomes particularly relevant in 2026.

Samsonite Paralux received Red Dot recognition for its approach to sustainable materials, repairability and practical organisation.

The luggage uses recycled polypropylene for its outer shell and 100% recycled aluminium for its trolley tubes. Recycled materials are also used across elements of the interior lining, zips and straps.

But the more interesting part for travellers is how those materials are combined with usability.

Paralux includes features such as two openings for easier access, a floating divider, compression straps, modular packing cubes and four double wheels.

That makes sense if you're the sort of traveller who starts a holiday with an immaculate suitcase and somehow ends up rummaging through everything to find one T-shirt three days later.

The modular organisation also has obvious benefits for multi-stop trips, longer holidays and travellers who prefer to keep different parts of their packing separate.

Case insight: Packing cubes are especially useful when you're changing hotels. Instead of unpacking your whole case at every stop, you can lift out the section you need and leave everything else organised.

The interesting thing about Paralux isn't simply that it's "sustainable luggage". It shows where Samsonite appears to be heading: luggage that's designed around longevity, organisation and easier repair as well as appearance.

Title

Which Samsonite Range Is Best for You?

There's no point buying Samsonite's most expensive or most awarded case if it doesn't suit your trip.

Here's where we'd start.

Samsonite C-Lite: Best for Lightweight Travel

If suitcase weight is high on your list, Samsonite C-Lite is one of the ranges to look at first.

It's particularly well suited to frequent flying, city breaks and travellers who want to keep as much of their airline allowance available for what they're actually packing.

Samsonite Proxis: Best for Premium Hardshell Luggage

Samsonite Proxis makes sense if you travel regularly and want a premium hardshell case.

It's the range we'd look towards for frequent long-haul trips, business travel and holidays where your suitcase is likely to spend plenty of time in baggage handling.

Samsonite Paralux: Best for Organisation

If you're someone who loves everything having its place, Samsonite Paralux is particularly interesting.

Its packing system, compression features and modular approach make it well suited to longer trips and travellers who want to stay organised rather than simply having one large empty shell to fill.

Samsonite Ecodiver: Best for Flexible and Active Trips

Not every journey needs a traditional suitcase.

Samsonite Ecodiver is worth considering for road trips, active holidays and journeys where a softer travel bag or wheeled duffle gives you more flexibility.

This is why asking "What's the best Samsonite?" rarely has one answer.

The better question is: what's the best Samsonite for your trip?

Samsonite Range Best For Type Why Choose It?
C-Lite Lightweight travel Hardshell luggage One of Samsonite’s lightest premium ranges. Great for frequent flyers and anyone watching baggage weight.
Proxis Premium frequent travel Hardshell luggage Strong, premium and designed for regular use. A good choice for long-haul and business travel.
Paralux Smart organisation Hardshell luggage & backpacks Clever packing features, recycled materials and a more modular approach to travel.
Nexis Premium modern design Hardshell luggage A newer Samsonite range with expandable designs, silent wheels and a refined look.
Re-Lite Lightweight softside travel Softside luggage Flexible, expandable and easy to manoeuvre, with shock-absorbing wheels.
Ecodiver Active holidays Bags, duffles & luggage Flexible and practical for road trips, outdoor travel and less traditional journeys.
Upscape Extra packing space Hardshell luggage Expandable cases designed for travellers who want more flexibility with capacity.
Lite-Box Aluminium Luxury travel Aluminium luggage Premium aluminium construction for travellers who prioritise design and durability.
Image Style-led travel Luggage A more design-focused option for travellers who want their luggage to look as good as it performs.
Pro Dlx 6 Business travel Briefcases & business bags Smart organisation for laptops, documents and regular work travel.
Biz 2 Go Commuting & business trips Backpacks Practical backpacks designed around work, tech and travel.
Neopod Laptop travel Business bags Designed for carrying tech and work essentials in a compact format.
Title

Is Samsonite Better Than Other Premium Luggage Brands?

Not automatically.

And that's worth saying.

Samsonite won Business Traveller's global luggage category in 2025, but the brands immediately behind it included Rimowa, TUMI and Briggs & Riley.

Each has its own strengths.

If you're buying luggage primarily for premium business travel, TUMI may appeal more.

If you're looking at luggage as a long-term investment and aftercare is one of your biggest priorities, Briggs & Riley deserves serious consideration.

Samsonite's advantage is how well it covers the middle ground.

You get a huge choice of sizes and travel styles, established luggage engineering and ranges at different price points without having to move into ultra-luxury territory.

For many travellers, that's exactly what makes Samsonite so easy to recommend.

Brand Best For What Stands Out Choose It If...
Samsonite All-round travel Lightweight materials, broad choice and practical innovation You want reliable luggage with plenty of options for different trips and budgets
TUMI Premium business travel Smart organisation, premium materials and a strong business focus You travel regularly for work and want luggage that feels polished and professional
Briggs & Riley Long-term investment Practical design, strong build quality and exceptional warranty support You want luggage you can rely on for years of frequent travel
Bric's Italian style Heritage-inspired design with a more luxurious, lifestyle-led feel Looks matter as much as practicality when you travel
Carl Friedrik Modern luxury Minimal styling, premium materials and a distinctive contemporary look You want refined luggage that feels different from traditional travel brands
Title

Is Samsonite Worth the Money in 2026?

For the right traveller, yes.

The mistake is assuming that paying more for a suitcase automatically makes travelling easier.

Think about what you're paying for.

If you fly several times a year, lower weight, smoother wheels and a good handle can make a noticeable difference.

If you check luggage regularly, shell construction and durability become more important.

If you're an organised packer, interiors and compression systems may justify spending more.

And if you travel once every couple of years, you might not need Samsonite's most premium range at all.

That's where value becomes personal.

A suitcase you use for ten years can represent much better value than a cheaper case you dislike after two holidays.

Title

Final Verdict: Is Samsonite Still the Best Luggage Brand in 2026?

Samsonite was officially named Best Luggage Brand in the World by Business Traveller in 2025.

Does that automatically make it the best choice for every traveller in 2026?

No.

But it gives us a good starting point.

Look beyond the award and there's a lot that still makes sense. Samsonite offers lightweight cases, premium hardshell luggage, flexible travel bags and increasingly clever packing systems. Its Paralux collection also shows the brand thinking more seriously about recycled materials, longevity and repairability.

Most importantly, there's enough variety to choose luggage around how you travel.

That's ultimately our verdict.

Samsonite doesn't need to be the best luggage brand for absolutely everyone to remain one of the strongest choices in 2026.

Choose the right range, size and style for your journey and it's easy to understand why travellers keep coming back to it.

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FAQs: Tumi vs Samsonite for Work and Travel

Which backpack is better for business travel: Tumi or Samsonite?

If business travel is a regular part of your week, Tumi has the edge. Its backpacks combine premium materials, structured designs and thoughtful organisation that work just as well in the boardroom as they do in the airport. Samsonite is still an excellent choice, particularly if you prefer something lighter and more affordable, but Tumi feels more refined for professional use.

Is Tumi worth the extra money?

If you travel frequently or carry your backpack every day, many people find TUMI worth the investment. Premium ballistic nylon, high-quality hardware and carefully designed compartments help it stay looking smart for years. If your budget is tighter or you travel less often, Samsonite offers excellent performance and value.

Case Insight

We often see customers upgrade to Tumi after replacing cheaper backpacks every few years. For frequent travellers, investing once can make more sense in the long run.

Which backpack is better for flights?

Both brands offer cabin-friendly backpacks, but the best choice depends on how you travel. Tumi is ideal if you want a structured backpack with excellent organisation for business trips, while Samsonite offers lighter, more flexible options like the Ecodiver and Pro DLX 6, making them great for short breaks and everyday travel.

Are Tumi and Samsonite backpacks suitable for carrying laptops?

Yes. Both brands offer dedicated padded laptop compartments, making them ideal for commuting, hybrid working and business travel. Many models also include separate pockets for chargers, documents and other everyday essentials, helping you stay organised throughout the day.

Which backpack offers better value for money?

Samsonite generally offers better value if you're looking for a balance of quality, functionality and price. Tumi costs more, but that premium price reflects its materials, craftsmanship and long-term durability. The right choice depends on how often you travel and what features matter most to you.

Can I use these backpacks as my airline personal item?

Most Tumi and Samsonite backpacks are designed to fit comfortably under the seat on many major airlines, making them ideal as a personal item. It's always worth checking your airline's baggage allowance before you fly, especially if you're travelling with a budget carrier that has stricter size limits.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Charlotte - I research and write about luggage for Case, where my lifelong love of travel finally found its perfect match!

 

After a five-week interrailing trip across Europe and many flights since, I’ve learned first-hand how the right piece of luggage can transform your journey, saving time, stress, and even a few airport sighs. That experience sparked my fascination with how materials, design, and warranties shape how well luggage really performs.

At Case, I combine in-depth research and primary data with knowledge across brands like Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, Tumi and Bric’s - always with the goal of making the details feel clear, the comparisons fair, and the advice something you’d actually use.

 

When I’m not writing for Case, I run my own travel blog, sharing packing tips and destination guides, and sometimes even my favourite travel gear. And if I’m not there, I’m likely still travelling, still learning, and still probably talking about wheels, zips, or which cabin bag actually fits on Ryanair.

Why Shop with Case Luggage?

At Case, we are proud to be an authorised UK retailer for leading brands including Samsonite, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, Bric’s, and Carl Friedrik. That means every product you buy from us is 100% authentic, supplied directly from the manufacturer, and fully covered by the official brand warranty.
 

With over 100 years of experience in premium travel goods, our reputation is built on trust, expertise, and customer-first service, helping travellers choose luggage they can rely on for every journey. You can shop online, or visit us in person at our London stores in Piccadilly, at Heathrow Airport terminals, and as the exclusive luggage concessionaire inside Harrods, one of London’s most prestigious and world-renowned department stores.

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Our recommendations are based on our expertise and research in the luggage sector. Brand partners do not approve our editorial content. Warranties and airline rules can change, so always check the latest details before you fly. Every article goes through multiple expert reviews to ensure the information we provide is clear, accurate, and genuinely helpful in finding the best luggage for your needs.