Can you really buy a suitcase for under £/$100 and not have it break on it’s first journey? I’ve compiled a list of all the top rated soft and hard shell suitcases on the market, whether you’re looking for the best budget carry on luggage or large checked suitcase. I’ve also listed affordable upgrades featuring brands names like Samsonite that cost less than £/$200. And you might also be interested in my handpicked suitcase deals.
What to consider when buying affordable luggage?
- Material – Due to the lower price, there are fewer options when it comes to choosing a material:
- ABS – hard shell suitcases are more popular than soft sided cases. ABS is one of the cheapest hard shell materials and is less durable (most durable luggage) vs polycarbonate, polypropylene and aluminium (best aluminium luggage).
- Polyester – Soft side luggage has it’s benefits over hard shell. While soft cases won’t protect your items as well, it won’t crack and is lighter in weight. Soft side luggage doesn’t have to mean lower durability either – some suitcases are rip resistant.
- Warranty – Due to the cheaper materials used, you may want to consider a high number of years warranty. Despite the low price, there are brands who offer as many as 5 years guarantee.
- TSA Approved lock – These locks are more relevant for travel in the US which allow customs to easily open your carry-on without the combination code. Due to the price, not all carry-on with have TSA Approved locks (or any locks included). You can buy TSA Approved locks separately.
Prices are in £, but clicking through to Amazon will redirect you to your local Amazon store and currency.
Best luggage under £/$100
1. Tripp
Tripp have 4+ star reviews across their wide range of styles. I think several of their range have premium styling such as the Absolute Chic, Escape and Retro. Tripp have a 5 year guarantee which is terrific for this price point. Cabin bags start from around £35. Unfortunately Tripp aren’t available in the US yet.
Editor’s Choice: Choosing a single Tripp suitcase to recommend is difficult, there’s not a lot separating them. I’ll highlight the Tripp Escape as it’s made from polypropylene, has a TSA Approved lock and is the lightest of all the range.
2. American Tourister
While not all of American Tourister’s range is available (why I haven’t ranked the brand 1st), I’ve found some of the best rated luggage under £/$100 on Amazon and would thoroughly recommend this trusted global brand. While many brands focus on hard shell suitcases, American Tourister still have a great range of soft shell options (which also tend to be cheaper in price). I’d also recommend looking at their sale and clearance section on the American Tourister site.
Editor’s Choice: Made from polypropylene, it has a TSA Approved lock, ultra lightweight at 2.5kg and better than basic interior. However, it only has single wheels.
3. Amazon Basics
Maybe a surprise inclusion if you didn’t know Amazon had their own luggage range, but you’ll see tens of thousand 5 star reviews from happy customers. As the name suggests there are few frills, but functional and robust is the main criteria for luggage under £/$100. Their range may not be as large as other dedicated luggage brands, but their hardside luggage has 30,000 5 star reviews for example so definitely worth considering.
Editor’s Choice: The hardside spinner still has 4 double wheels, is expandable by 15%, scratch-resistant finish and an organised interior. However, there is no TSA Approved lock.
4. Cabin Max
If you’re specifically looking for cabin luggage and carry-ons, I can recommend Cabin Max. You’ll find extremely functional luggage on 2 and 4 wheels across a range of sizes to meet any airlines restrictions – even underseat suitcases for Ryanair. They also have a range of backpacks if you prefer your carry-on luggage without wheels to maximise packing space. Some backpacks even have wheels if you prefer a combination and flexibility too.
Editor’s Choice: The Cabin Max Anode has 5,000 5 star reviews, weighs just 2.5kg, the impressive interior even has a wet pocket and has a 3 year warranty. It does have a built in lock, but it’s not TSA approved.
5. Kono
Similar to Amazon Basics, the Kono range are a little lacking in the design department, but if you’re looking for plain/classic stylings, they have thousands of 5 star reviews.
Editor’s Choice: The Kono hard shell is made from polypropylene with a scratch-resistant textured finish, weighs just 2.56kg, built in TSA Approved lock, 4 double wheels and has 1,300 5 star reviews.
6. Aerolite
Another brand which falls under the basic stylings (if you love black and charcoal you’re in luck), but practical category, Aerolite have well reviewed cabin luggage and checked suitcases. Even at under £/$100, Aerolite still offer a 5 year warranty which shows their confidence in build quality.
Editor’s Choice: One of the budget carry-ons I see most at the airport is the Aerolite Lightweight. It has over 10,000 5 star reviews, measuring 55x35x20cm and weighs just 2.6kg. It includes a combination barrel padlock but it’s not TSA Approved. Other luggage I want to highlight from Aerolite’s range are the reinforced polyester checked suitcase, the practical underseat cabin bag and hard shell hand cabin bag.
7. Coolife
Coolife have been slowly gaining popularity on Amazon. While not as well reviewed as Kono or Aerolite, Coolife are definitely worth considering if you prefer bright coloured luggage (they beat Aerolite on the design aspect). Although, Coolife is slightly more expensive than Aeroplite and Kono. Coolife also offer 2 years warranty.
Editor’s Choice: This Coolife hard shell has 4 double wheels, TSA Approved lock and corner guards making it one of my favourite affordable carry-ons on this list. It also has more than 1,800 5 star reviews.
8. Flight Knight
There’s very little separating Flight Knight vs Kono, Aerolite and Coolife. The brand have a couple of designs which are very different to their competitors if you’re looking for a non traditional design. Flight Knight offer a 5 year warranty. Reading the Amazon reviews, it looks like Flight Knight customer service is very good and have replaced cracked suitcases and broken locks.
Editor’s Choice: I’ve selected their best reviewed suitcase, Flight Light Lightweight, which has more than 3,600 5 star reviews, but I would also consider their travel stamp or bubble design as strong contenders.
9. TydeCkare
TydeCkare may not have as many reviews as some other affordable luggage brands on Amazon like Kono, Aerolite and Coolife, but their range is still well reviewed and I think it’s more practical and stylish than others. It’s just a shame their range isn’t wider otherwise TydeCkare would feature higher in this list – a luggage brand to watch in the future.
Editor’s Choice: Finding hard shell carry-ons with laptop compartments can be tough, but TydeCKare have a couple of great options.
Best luggage under £/$200
Here are the brands which just missed the cut. If you can afford to upgrade, I would recommend spending a little more for a brand name and higher quality and lighter materials.
1. Samsonite
A leader in the luggage market for a reason, it’s possible to find a handful of discounted models on Amazon for under £/$200. Samsonite luggage also comes with a 5 year warranty.
Editor’s Choice: The Samsonite S’cure is one of favourite affordable zipperless luggage. It’s also rare to find a Samsonite polypropylene suitcase under £/$200.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? See the rest of our best luggage buying guides
- Affordable luggage: best suitcase deals | affordable luggage brands
- Carry-on: carry-on luggage with laptop compartments | easyjet cabin bag |
- Checked luggage: checked luggage for international travel | extra large suitcases | expandable suitcases | trunk luggage
- Durable luggage: most durable luggage | zipperless suitcases | aluminium suitcases
- Luggage brands: luxury luggage brands | European luggage brands | eco-friendly suitcases | luggage with lifetime warranty
- Misc luggage: ultra lightweight suitcases | Tripp suitcases | suitcases for cruises | 2 wheel suitcases | rose gold luggage
- Suitcase reviews: Horizn Studios M5 | Level8 Voyageur | Grams(28) 154 City Pack
- Travel accessories: packing cube alternatives | travel accessories for long flights | compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | travel vanity cases | wine suitcases
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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